Medics on Monday advised the public against taking too much alcohol and smoking to avoid contracting cancer.

During a news conference at King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, the medics said it is believed that people who take alcohol, smoke tobacco or use it in other ways have got an 85% chance of acquiring cancer.

The briefing was called in preparation for the World Head and Cancer Day which falls on July 27. It was also attended by cancer specialists from King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, policy makers and cancer survivors.

Cancer leads to death if not diagnosed and treated early, said Dr Rajab Mugabo, a neck and head surgeon at King Faisal and CHUK hospitals.

He said people born with cancer cells in their genes have higher chances of suffering from the disease.

More than 500,000 cases of head and neck cancer are said to be diagnosed annually globally, while the disease is responsible for 200,000 deaths.

Cancer is reportedly among the leading causes of mortality and disability in many parts of the world.

It mainly affects people in the productive age group; yet most of its mortality and morbidity is preventable, the medics said.

"The burden of head and neck cancer is putting a strain on the national healthcare systems and impoverishing individuals, families and societies. Fortunately, head and neck cancer can be prevented or treated if detected early. However, most people suffer from delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, inappropriate rehabilitation and palliation,” Mugabo explained.

King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, in conjunction with the Rwanda Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon Society (ROHNSS) and the Ministry of Health recognised the World Head and Cancer Day for the first time in the country.

The Day is marked in more than 50 countries across the globe with the goal to draw attention on prevention, effective care and control of head and neck cancer.

Dr Emile Rwamasirabo, the acting chief executive officer of King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, said head and neck cancer control requires a multi-sectoral response from the government, NGOs, healthcare professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector.

He also said data on cases and deaths caused by head and neck cancer in Rwanda, and Africa in general, are still lacking with only about 2% of the population covered by cancer registry.

He attributed this to traditional beliefs and practices that discourage people from seeking medication for cancer.

Dr Rwamasirabo called on the public to always go for cancer screening whenever they experience strange body swellings, general body pains, voice failures, swallowing complications, ear pains and nose bleeding.

A cancer survivor who suffered from the disease for over 10 years, who identified himself only as Simon, said he recovered after successful radiotherapy carried out in India following early diagnosis.

Rwanda still lacks enough cancer specialists and equipment and most of the local cases referred either to India or Kenya.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw

***************************

Cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box are caused by smoking and alcohol. People who smoke and drink are at higher risk of developing cancer. Skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure. Another common cause of cancer of the mouth is chewing betel quid.

However, of particular concern in recent years is the association between oral sex and cancers of the throat. Oral sex causes transmission of the human papilloma virus (HPV) between sexual partners.

Agencies