Blog - May 20, 2014

SPOT CANCER EARLY, SAVE YOUR LIFE

As established through in depth research findings, Cancer refers to a family of diseases, more than 400 in all characterizes by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is a horrible disease, so horrible that people use it as a metaphor for the worst things in life, but there are no metaphors dreadful enough to describe cancer. It is a global epidemic that affects all, regardless of age. Some prominent Nigerians have died of cancer like Gani Fawehinmi, a human right activist who died of lung cancer, Mrs Maryam Babangida, the wife of the former president of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida, who died of ovarian cancer, Mrs Funmi Olayinka, the former deputy governor of Ekiti state who died of breast cancer, Clara Oshiomole, the wife of Edo state governor amongst others. This is to show that cancer is no respecter of age, status or age.
However, there is some good news in that cancer can be cured if detected early. Hence, there are some signs to look out for in our body. Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t exactly mean you have cancer but nothing should be taken for granted. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. Experts and doctors agree that these symptoms are the most important ones to look out for and they will be keen to see you if you have noticed any of them. These signs are:
1: An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
2: A change in the size, shape or colour of a mole#
3: A sore that won’t heal after several weeks
4: A mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks
5: A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer than three weeks
Persistent difficulty in swallowing and indigestion
6: Problems passing urine
7: Blood in your urine
8: Blood in your bowel motions
9: A change to more frequent bowel motions that lasts longer than four to six weeks.
10: Unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats
11: Breathlessness
12: An unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer than four weeks.
Coughing up blood.
Women should also look out for an unusual breast change, bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods, and persistent bloating while men should look out for swellings and lumps in their testicles. When any of this is noticed, go to a reputable medical practitioner and lay your complaints. There is no particular age limit or age restriction for cancer. Nobody is immune to it.
In conclusion, Be very familiar with your body system which includes the body shape, skin tone, body size and other things that make up the body system. If special attention is paid to these, changes would be easily detected. Go for regular checkups and don’t wait till you are totally down before you visit your doctor. Remember that nothing can be done by a critically ill person on the hospital bed. You cannot carry out business transactions or make appearances when you are unhealthy. Create time to check and take adequate care of yourself and with God involved, everything will be fine. I leave you with the Yoruba saying that: ‘ilera loro’ which means ‘Health is wealth’. A healthy man is a wealthy man.

Comments (5)

  1. Atoaan Ollor

    May 20, 2014

    I think this piece is really well written. Brilliant too! It is important for people to be concious of their health; to take out time to notice any noticable change in their bodies that may be cancerous. Cancer is a real killer! Also, it is worthy to note that those with a history of cancer in their family line are at higher risk, and so should be super-concious of the kind of lifestyle that they lead. With awareness campaigns like this, we can pull together a tight synergy to fight cancer, and have our friends and loved ones live longer and healthier lives!

  2. Latoun

    May 20, 2014

    Nice piece. Can you please enlighten us on the foods or habits that make us more susceptible to cancer?

  3. tola's boo

    May 20, 2014

    Nice writeup. This will @least help reduce d death rate by cancer. When one notices any of these symptoms, he/she could go for a checkup.. thnks for d tip

  4. Akintola Mubarak

    May 21, 2014

    Thank you for this article, the update on influential Nigerians that we have lost to cancer drives home the point that cancer is neither a foreign disease nor gender-based disease. Kudos

  5. Monilorlah

    September 19, 2014

    Wow! This is a very nice writeup. So enlightening

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