Cancer (1)

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.

One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. 
This process is referred to as metastasis. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer.

There are over 100 different known cancers that can affect humans. Click here for an A-Z list of the different types of cancers.

February 4th, World Cancer Day, it was estimated that 8.2 million people worldwide died from cancer in 2012. Lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and breast cancers cause the most cancer deaths each year. The most frequent types of cancer differ between men and women. 

"About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use. "-WHO, 2014 CLICK here for more information.

Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing over 20% of global cancer deaths and about 70% of global lung cancer deaths.

About 60% of the world's total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.

Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer. 

Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and treated adequately.

Some Cancer Screening Centres in Nigeria:

1. LEAH Charity Foundation: CLICK here to visit website

2. African Cancer Centre: CLICK here to visit website

Other Cancer Screening Events such as the Attah Family at their Memorial Free Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening in Lagos 

Wishing you good health now and always !