A Consultant Surgeon at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Dr. Adamu Ningi, has advised Nigerians to eat natural foods to reduce the risk of cancer.

Mr Ningi, who expressed concern over the rising cases of cancer in society, gave the advice during an interview on Tuesday in Bauchi.

He said that the consumption of natural foods was a better way to live healthy, adding that most sicknesses emanate from the things we eat.

“The rising cases of cancer in Nigeria and the world at large are alarming and worrisome over the years. Consumption of enough vegetables, fruits and other natural foods are likely measures to reduce the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, stomach and bowel,’’ he said.

Mr Ningi said adults should eat at least five slices of vegetables such as legumes and two slices of fruit each day.

He advised pregnant or breastfeeding women to take more of the recommended vegetables and fruits, while children should eat less.

Mr Ningi explained that it does not matter if the vegetable and fruits are fresh, frozen or dried.

He said that many types of cancers are in existence, and contracting them depends on one’s gender and other factors.

Mr Ningi noted that the most devastating cancers in Africa are breast and cervical cancers in women, as well as prostate and colon cancers in men.

“Previously we only see people around the age of 50 and above suffering cancer ailments, but today, the disease is prevalent among persons of the age bracket of 30 to 40,’’ he said.

Mr Ningi said, while researchers are struggling to unravel the factors for the high prevalence of cancer in young people, it was better for people to obey healthy dietary advice.

“This explains why we advise people to eat natural foods. I equally advise the women to do monthly self-breast examinations as well as report any lump noticed in their breasts to a physician,” he said.

He said that cancer, especially breast cancer, could be treated if detected early, adding that people above 40 years should form the habit to visit hospitals for routine medical checks.

(NAN)