Segun Alatise, professor of surgery, surgical oncology department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, said the institution performed 55 cancer surgeries in one month.

Mr Alatise disclosed on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

He explained that the department performed 55 cancer surgeries in January.

The professor of surgery disclosed that the patients consisted of those diagnosed with breast cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Mr Alatise stated that about 100 patients were still attending the clinic while undergoing chemotherapy and waiting for surgery in the facility.

“The truth is that we see a lot of cancers, and the number is increasing daily, for we have more patients than some others because we are a referral centre for some of these cancer treatments, like pancreatic and liver cancer,” he explained.

Mr Alatise identified the common causes of cancer to include the transition from an agrarian lifestyle to a sedentary lifestyle.

“Our fathers used to walk to their farms among other exercises, but nowadays, people sit under air conditioners at home, in their cars, as well as in their offices.

“Physical activity has reduced to a significant level, alcohol intake is on the rise, a lot of people are becoming obese, taking fatty foods, and cigarette intake has contributed a lot too.

“Even those that carry high risks, if they do a lot of exercise, eat a balanced diet, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, reduce a lot of meat to fish and milk that can produce vitamin D, and desist from smoking cigarettes and alcohol, these can help them from developing cancer,” he stated.

According to him, cancer treatment is cheaper when it is diagnosed early.

“Unfortunately, 90 per cent of cancer treatment comes very late, when the treatment is not worth rewarding,” he added.

The surgeon encouraged everyone to go for cancer screening as it allows for early detection.

He also appealed to the government on the need to sensitise on early diagnosis of cancer and assist patients in subsidising their treatment and drugs, saying “only 10 to 20 per cent can afford the treatment.”

“We also need a lot of training for all health workers—doctors, nurses, and community extension workers—on early detection of cancer,” he said. 

(NAN)