You are at risk of Cancer if...

Well, Cancer is a word we have all heard about. For me, I have heard about cancer right from my childhood when I would hear my parents discuss it with friends. To be sincere, I do not know for certain if I am more or less scared of cancer than I was then.



It’s just that certain cells in the body spontaneously begin to divide uncontrollably causing damage to the surrounding tissues. This can progress to a very fatal state. There is no cure for cancer and unlike HIV, there are no drugs that assure long healthy living. Well, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Africa and Europe. A lot of risk factors can predispose certain cells of the body to become neoplastic or cancerous. Let’s check out the few ones I have learnt from school:


–Early exposure to sex, for the females, and also having multiple sexual partners can predispose ladies  to Cervical Cancer, especially through the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is particularly significant for  those who are advocating giving young girls to marriage and for those young girls who want to get mature.  As for the case of multiple sexual partners, adulterous women and prostitutes should take note.


–Eating of smoked and salted food  in form of ‘Barbecue Meat’, ‘Suya’, ‘Smoked fish’ or ‘Kilishi’  may also predispose one to cancer of the Stomach or Gastric Cancer. I don’t mean bad business for Suya  Mallams and  those currently enjoying Barbecue nights.

–Lack or inadequate intake of fresh fruits can also predispose one to cancers.

–Overweight and obesity  are also associated with colon, breast, uterine, esophageal and Kidney  cancers.

–Long term use of Contraceptive pills can also predispose females to Cervical Cancers. So better stick  to Natural Family planning. Sex is not everything!

–Excessive Alcohol intake and Tobacco smoking are also risk factors for lots of Cancers example Lung  Cancer, Cervical Cancer etc.

-For men, diets rich in fat  are risk factors for Prostatic Cancer.

–Westernized food which is high in animal protein and fat are major risk factors for Colorectal Cancer. So next time you take your girlfriend out, do well to buy her either traditional foods or fruits and vegetables, no more Burger and French Fries!!!

These are by no means all, but just felt you should know them!!! And I bet you need your friends and loved ones to know them too, so spread the word!!!




Chibuzor F. Ogamba