SUYA, BOLI can cause cancer

Nigerians have been urged to go for periodic screening , especially for colon cancer , which is said to be a huge burden on the country, as it is common among people above 40.
The President , Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria President , Prof Musa Borodo, gave this warning at a press briefing commemorating the 10th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association in Ado Ekiti .
The goal of the conference is to explore better ways of treating diseases of the gastrointestinal ( GI) tract , leveraging on technology.
Borodo warned that diseases such as colorectal cancer , liver cancer , helicobacter pyloris and other infections that occur in the gastrointestinal tract , are usually not easy to detect when looking out for signs and symptoms. And when the symptoms are obvious they are often too late to treat.
According to him , about 10 percent of people in Nigeria are suffering from Hepatitis B – a viral infection – which he warned could lead to cancer , if not properly treated.
“ This ( Hepatitis B ) is something that can be prevented, if you don’ t treat it, it could become cancer . So , it is a huge problem. ”
Speaking on the theme , “ Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Africa : Past, Present and Future, ” Borodo said it was chosen to create awareness on early detection of cancer , prevention and cure .
“ The forum is to increase knowledge, expertise and foremost research of interests in diseases affecting alimentary canal. ”
Borodo lamented that two cases of cancer at end stage are reported daily in the treatment centre .
He advised people to take natural foods, avoid refined sugar, eat well, exercise regularly, drink clean water , visit hospitals for routine check up and stay away from smoking to avoid cancer .
Stating some of the cause of cancer , the Chairman , Local Organising Committee for the conference, Dr . Deji Ajayi , cautioned against taking burnt boli ( plantain ) , burnt suya and refined drinks as they could cause cancer .
The Consultant General Surgeon, Lagos State University, Teaching Hospital, Dr. Mobolaji Oludara , lamented the dearth of equipment , training and materials in handling liver transplant in Nigeria .
He , however , added that it was a matter of time that liver transplant would become a regular feature.