World Cancer Day: Otegbayo harps on screening for curable cancers

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has advised Nigerians to maintain a good lifestyle and regular medical screening for specific curable cancers.

Otegbayo, an oncologist, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Nigerians join in marking World Cancer Day on Tuesday.

He urged Nigerians to shun practices that could jeopardise their health, reiterating that individuals must realise that staying healthy is their responsibility.

"Prevention is better than cure.

“Let’s get screened for the cancers that are preventable, particularly if one has first-degree relation with any form of cancer,” he said.

"The oncologist noted there were many environmental and genetic factors increasing cancer risks.

According to him, the bacteria that cause peptic ulcer disease can induce stomach cancer.

“Chronic Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer, and the Human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer, while Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) causes nasopharyngeal cancer,” he said.

He explained that these conditions were potentially treatable but could cause chaos when left to thrive in the body.

"Poor lifestyle is another man-made factor triggering cancer; smoking and alcohol use have been associated with different cancers.

“Sometimes, it is due to genetics, in which there is the switching of genes, causing disarray, thereby, making the cells cancerous.

“Someone whose family member has a certain form of cancer is at risk of the same or other closely related cancers.

"Alcohol and tobacco are linked with multiple cancers, so people should avoid these known carcinogens,” he said.

According to him, there are well-established screening programmes for cancers.

“There is colorectal screening for those above 45 years; breast cancer through mammography, and prostate cancer, through clinical examination and blood tests among others,” said the CMD.

Essentially, Otegbayo emphasised that a good lifestyle and uptake of screening exercises would mitigate against rising cancer cases.

He added that some cancers could be prevented by taking vaccines such as Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus.

The CMD noted that the 2025 World Cancer Day’s theme, ‘United by Unique’, was coined to reflect the need for collaborative efforts to target the face behind the disease and not just the disease.

He called for the adoption of a patient-centric approach by those involved in cancer care and research.

The oncologist urged the government to do more to keep health professionals in the country to ensure the desired results of the investment in medical gadgets.

“The government has invested really, but we need more commitment to change cancer narratives in the country.

“Manpower is a big issue that requires special attention.

“The government must do more to keep our health professionals in this country, or else all the investments in gadgets will not yield the desired results,” he said. (NAN)