By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RISING CANCER cases have led to an increase in surgical procedures at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, where doctors say they performed 55 cancer surgeries in January alone.
Professor Segun Alatise, a consultant surgeon in the Surgical Oncology Department, disclosed this in an interview on Monday.
He revealed that patients diagnosed with breast, thyroid, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers accounted for the majority of the cases.
Beyond surgeries, around 100 cancer patients are currently undergoing chemotherapy at the facility, awaiting further treatment.
Alatise stressed that OAUTHC, as a referral centre for complex cases like pancreatic and liver cancer, continues to witness a steady rise in cancer diagnoses.
He attributed the growing cancer burden to lifestyle changes, including reduced physical activity, poor diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
“Our forefathers were physically active, but today, people spend most of their time in air-conditioned spaces with minimal exercise,” he noted.
Alatise emphasised the importance of early detection, revealing that 90% of patients seek treatment at advanced stages, making outcomes less rewarding.
He urged the government to invest in awareness campaigns, subsidise cancer treatments, and provide training for healthcare workers to improve early diagnosis.
He also advised individuals to prioritise regular screenings, adopt healthier lifestyles, and avoid high-risk behaviours to lower their chances of developing cancer.
