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Brief DescriptionOVERVIEW OF CANCER DISEASE WORLDWIDE BY DR. OKOCHA, O. UNYA (Snr. Reg., Department of Surgery, ABSUTH, Aba

OVERVIEW OF CANCER DISEASE WORLDWIDE

 BY

DR. OKOCHA, O. UNYA (Snr. Reg., Department of Surgery, ABSUTH, Aba

Intro:

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 or 1 in 6 deaths. As of 2021, around 15% of all deaths were caused by cancer - making it the most important cause of death in the world. In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases in the world. 

The most common cancers are breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancers. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their life time.

WHAT IS CANCER?

A group of diseases involving abnormal and uncontrollable cell growth with the potential to remain at a site (benign) or to invade and spread to other parts and organs of the body (malignant). 

IS CANCER CURABLE?

While there is no single cure for cancer, some cancers e.g. Burkitt’s lymphoma, respond “very well” to treatment, with significant reduction in their signs and symptoms. This is called “Remission”, not cure.

HOW DOES CANCER OCCUR?

Gene mutations (changes or alterations in DNA within cells) which turn cells from normal cells into abnormal cancer cells.These gene mutations can be - - skipped- Inherited- etc. They develop over time, as we get older.The gene “wears out” and cause trouble if we stay around (UV-radiations) or consume things (e.g. Alcohol, cigarettes) that damage our genes. Some cancers grow slowly, others grow fast.

*PROGNOSIS:* The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. Approximately, one in 9 men and one in 12 women die from cancer each year world wide.

*Which parts of the body can cancer affect?*Almost every part of the body.*Predilection sites:*

Breast, lung, bones, prostate, liver, brain, etc.Sanctuaries include hairs, nails and heart. 

Cancer Effects on the Body Systems:

The effect from the disease and the treatment is overall reduction in quality and quantity of life;

Chronic anaemia;

Intractable pains, especially, organ and bone pains;

Severe weakness;

Severe loss of weight; Changes in respiration;

Changes in bowel habits;

Swollen parts of body (e.g. leg edema)

Fluid in the chest (pleural effusion)

Fluid in the abdomen (ascites);

Fatigue or extreme tiredness (that does not improve with rest);

Weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more (for no known reasons);

Eating problems (loss of appetite);  easy satiety; abdominal pains; Nausea and/or vomiting; swallowing troubles, etc.

7 WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER BY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY:

1. -Change in bowel or bladder habits.
2. -A sore that does not heal.
3. -Unusual bleeding or discharges
4. -Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
5. -Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
6. -Obvious change in wart or mole
7. -Nagging cough or hoarsenessREMEMBER “CAUTION”

17 cancer signs you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pains;

2. Changes in bathroom habits;

3. Bloating

Breast changes;

4. Chronic coughing;

5. Chronic headache;

6. Difficulty in swallowing;

7. Excessive bruising; 

8. Frequent fevers or infections;

9. Oral changes;

10. Skin changes (ABCDE)

•  Asymmetry
• . Borders are irregular - 
• Colour is varied
• Diameter >5cm
• Evolving      increasing growth, bleeds, painful, etc.,;

11. Pain that persists;

12. Persistent fatigue;

13. Postmenopausal bleeding;

14. Stomach pain or nausea;

15. Unexplained weight loss;

 PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CANCER – THE 10 WAYS ADVICE  BY THE CDC

1. Don’t use tobacco. 

2. Eat a healthy diet.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

4. Be physically active.

5. Protect yourself from sun.

6. Get vaccinated.

7. Avoid risky behaviours

8. Get regular medical checkups/screening eg mammography or colonoscopy.

9. Protect yourself from STIs/STDs

10. Limit alcohol intake (zero intake is best).

BURDEN OF PROSTATE CANCER IN NIGERIA:

Prostate Cancer 

(32.2 cases  and 16.3 deaths per 100,000 men)

*Rate in Nigeria:* Number one cancer in Nigerian men

(11% of all male cancers)

Median Age: 67.5 years, 

Mean Age: 71.4 years.

NUMBER OF CANCER PATIENTS IN NIGERIA -

2020* = 124,815 patients

Males 

51,398 (29.8%) = males with cancer of prostate 

(8.1%) = Colorectal

Females 

73, 417 (38.7%) = women with breast cancer

16.4% = Ca-cervix (BREAST CANCER NOW THE LEADING CANCER IN NIGERIA.

Liver 2nd,

Prostate, 3rd.

Breast Cancers in Nigeria.

An incidence rate of 54.3 per 100,000.

According to a study among rural women in South West Nigeria, majority (73.7%) had no knowledge of breast cancer early signs.

90.7% did not know that breast cancer can be treated if detected early.

Only 6.4% identified BSE and CBE

And 0.0% can identify mammography. *HOW CAN CANCER AFFECT THE SOCIETY?*

Cancer and its treatment result in the loss of economic resources and opportunities for patients, families, employers and society overall. 

These losses include financial loss, morbidity, early death, poor quality of life, etc.

HOW MUCH IS CANCER SURGERY IN NIGERIA?

Ranges from N500,000 to N2,500,000 depending on “open” to “laparoscopic” surgery.

Chemotherapy ??Radiotherapy

(USA)

*Breast Cancer Treatment in the USA:* 

Direct medical cost = $5,000-$10,000

FUTURE TREND:

In the future, cancer diagnosis, treatment and investigation using AI, virtual biopsies and molecular profiling in addition to CRISPR and Precision Medicine approaches, imaging and detection could speed up screening, early detection, accurate diagnosis and concise treatment to cancer.

Thank you.