Jessica Wanjiku - Licensed Nutritionist

What is Cancer?

Cancer is the abnormal growth of body cells where they spread without stopping and spread to the surrounding organs. Most cancers form tumors which can either be malignant (they can spread to other body parts) or benign (they do not spread). According to the World Health Organization, 17 people die every minute from cancer. These statistics are staggering and the prevalence is almost similar in developed and developing countries. It has actually been found that ethnic variations have little to no influence on the occurrence of cancer since the people from protected countries adopt the diets and local lifestyles of the people in the new country (Diehl & Ludington, 2011).

Causes of Cancer

· Dietary factors: These refer to the food we choose to eat and how we eat them.

Nearly 50% of all cancers are as a result of over-nutrition - too much fat and too much weight.

· Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, consumption of alcohol, and a diet high in animal products and fat account for up to 80% of all adult cancers.

· Environmental exposure, for instance to radon and UV radiation, and fine particulate matter

· Occupational risk factors, including carcinogens such as many chemicals, radioactive materials and asbestos

Types of Cancer 

Below are the common Types of cancer:

1. Lung Cancer - this cancer affects both men and women and it is directly related to cigarette smoking. However, 1 in every 4 men continues smoking even after the risk factors have been outlined. Lung cancer is closely associated to lip, mouth, tongue, throat and esophagus cancers, all of which are preventable by people simply stopping the use of tobacco
2. Liver Cancer - this cancer is caused by cirrhosis of the liver which results from alcohol abuse. Again, people know that alcohol consumption is dangerous to health but they continue drinking in excess. The other risk factor is Hepatitis B virus which weakens the liver. There is a vaccine for Hepatitis B which people are encouraged to take. Additional risk factors are Aflatoxin (found in ground nuts) and Aspergillis Flavus (found in stored grains, especially maize). This is of concern to us due to recent issues here in Kenya.
3. Breast, prostrate and Colon cancer - Our dietary habits have changed as earlier highlighted from traditional foods to highly processed foods which have too much fat causing too much weight (Diehl & Ludington, 2011). Lack of dietary fibre and too much fat have been linked to the occurrence of cancer in many people. The problem of high fat content in food is now prevalent in Africa, and Kenya specifically, meaning that we are not only adopting the new culture, but also the diseases. Carcinogens -the chemical irritants that produce cancerous lesions over time- thrive in high amounts of fats and low fibre. Fibre facilitates the movement of food in the stomach and thus absence of fibre in the diet results in food taking longer in the stomach. The stomach lining is exposed to the digestive juices like bile for longer which causes it to thin and wear out.
4. Cervical cancer - It develops in women who are already infected by human papilloma virus (HPV). However, HPV affects both women and men and it is fairly easy to transmit. Women are encouraged to take the vaccine before the exposure to the virus. Again, this cancer is preventable if one takes the precautions necessary and goes for the vaccine on time

The DO-IT-YOURSELF cure

Imagine the announcement of a pill that could cure cancer? That would be reported worldwide and for a very long time. Well, there is actually a cure that has been know for long but has gone unpublicized and unnoticed.

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, consumption of alcohol, and a diet high in animal products and fat account for up to 80% of all adult cancers.

• The cure number 1 is FOOD. Watching what we eat will significantly reduce the incidence of cancer as well as aid management of current cases. A diet low in cholesterol and fat, and high in fibre is the place to begin. The fibre will absorb water and cause the food to move more rapidly in the gut. Fibre also soothes the cells by removing any irritants that may found.

• The cancer cure also calls for lifestyle changes whereby one learns new habits and skills - like cooking homemade meals. As nutritionist we continue advocating for less meat in your diet although it goes against our current culture. We prepare meal plans that will enable an individual to create diverse food types that will address their specific needs.
• Get regular screenings for cancer - good habits are hard to form but here is one that will save you money and your life. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy life fear free but getting checked for any cancerous cells. There are free screenings in different parts of the country that are a good place to start. Invest in your life and make the decision to change your eating habits as early as now.

These cures are choices that you have to make daily as we aim to end the suffering that result from cancer. Offering support to affected people is also a key action that we ought to take and end the fear that exists against cancer by having the right information about the disease.

References

Diehl, H., & Ludington, A. (2012). Health Power: Healthy by Choice Not Chance! (2nd ed.). Thailand: Review & Herald Publishing

National Cancer Insitutte. (2015, February 9). What Is Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer

World Health Organization. (2019). World Cancer Day. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/cancer/world-cancer-day/en/

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