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While speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, a United
Kingdom and European Board certified Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Rajeev
Kaushal, warned Nigerians that eating red and processed meat could
increase ones risk of getting cancer by 30 per cent.
According to PUNCH, the expert who works with the Saudi German
Hospital Dubai, said more than 30 per cent of cancers are linked to
obesity, adding that it was important to adopt basic lifestyle changes
by eating more fruits and vegetables.
He said, “Processed meat when consumed on a long term basis can
increase the risk of certain kinds of cancers like colon, lung and
br*ast cancer. Red meat is known to increase incidence of colon and
rectal cancers and should be avoided.”
The medical practitioner further stated that one could reduce the
risk of getting cancer by avoiding tobacco completely and taking alcohol
in moderation, adding that tobaccco ‘increases the risk of various
cancers such as lung cancer, br*ast cancer, colon cancer, prostate
cancer, pancreatic cancer and other diseases.’
Kausha who also explained that getting immunisation against certain diseases could prevent cancer, said,“Certain
kinds of cancers are related to certain types of virus, such as Human
Papiloma Virus that causes cervical cancer in women, as well as throat
and anal cancer in men. Proper vaccination against these viruses should
be able to reduce the chances of cancer.”
The oncologist said that another way of preventing cancer was to
ensure effective diagnosis, such as the use of PET scan for detection of
cancer in the system, and assessing tumour load.
He said that studies had shown that the use of green tea,
pomegranate and cumin, which can be derived from turmeric spice, helps
to prevent and fight cancer. He said while they are not curative in
themselves, they provide support for cancer patients undergoing
treatment.
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