Nigerians have been urged to go for periodic screening , especially for colon cancer , which is said to be a huge burden on the country , as it is common among people above 40 .
The President , Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria President , Prof Musa Borodo, gave this warning at a press briefing commemorating the 10 th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association in Ado Ekiti .
The goal of the conference is to explore better ways of treating diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI ) tract , leveraging on technology .
Borodo warned that diseases such as colorectal cancer , liver cancer , helicobacter pyloris and other infections that occur in the gastrointestinal tract , are usually not easy to detect when looking out for signs and symptoms . And when the symptoms are obvious they are often too late to treat.
According to him , about 10 percent of people in Nigeria are suffering from Hepatitis B – a viral infection – which he warned could lead to cancer , if not properly treated .
“This (Hepatitis B) is something that can be prevented , if you don ’t treat it, it could become cancer . So , it is a huge problem . ”
Speaking on the theme, “Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Africa : Past , Present and Future, ” Borodo said it was chosen to create awareness on early detection of cancer , prevention and cure.
“The forum is to increase knowledge , expertise and foremost research of interests in diseases affecting alimentary canal. ”
Borodo lamented that two cases of cancer at end stage are reported daily in the treatment centre.
He advised people to take natural foods , avoid refined sugar, eat well, exercise regularly, drink clean water, visit hospitals for routine check up and stay away from smoking to avoid cancer .
Stating some of the cause of cancer , the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the conference , Dr . Deji Ajayi , cautioned against taking burnt boli (plantain), burnt suya and refined drinks as they could cause cancer .
The Consultant General Surgeon, Lagos State University , Teaching Hospital, Dr. Mobolaji Oludara, lamented the dearth of equipment , training and materials in handling liver transplant in Nigeria .
He, however , added that it was a matter of time that liver transplant would become a regular feature.
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