cancer
5 December 2006
Scientists speaking at the 27th African Health Science Congress held in
Durban have warned Africans that unless they change their diets and their
lifestyles, risks of getting cancer will increase.
Professor Kensesse Mossanda, Chairperson and convener of the congress, said
that the improper storage of food commodities and cooking modes could generate
toxic compounds prone to digestive and liver cancers within Africa.
But he added that certain plant materials such as Sutherlandia and devil's
claw may help to modify diet in areas with high risk of cancer.
He told delegates the constant consumption of green and rooibos tea will
assist in the fight against cancer. The teas, he said, possess
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous compounds that can help reduce cancer.
Indian scientist, Dr Ashjok Kumar from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
said that cervical cancer accounts for 80 percent of the genital cancers in
India. He urged women of all ages to go for pap smears, especially as cervical
is the second highest form of cancer in women.
"Only through education and vigilance can we help reduce the effects of
cervical cancer in women," he said.
Professor Vikash Sewram told delegates that a study the South African
Medical Research Council (SAMRC) did in the Eastern Cape during November 2001
and February 2003 dismissed the notion that mouldy maize (through toxins)
causes oesophageal cancer. "Eating maize does not cause cancer," he said.
He said his study dismissed this notion completely and mentioned that the
diets of these patients were in fact the main problem. Not eating properly,
smoking, drinking alcohol is added risk factors.
The study was conducted at three hospitals in the Eastern Cape namely
Umtata, Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals.
He also pointed out that the Eastern Cape is one of the three hot spot
regions in the world that has a high number of people suffering from
oesophageal cancer.
He said that people who smoke and drink are eight times more susceptible to
being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer than those who do not smoke and
drink.
The congress continues until Thursday, 7 December, at the Elangeni Hotel in
Durban.
For more information contact:
Julian Jacobs
Cell: 082 454 4902
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
5 December 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
