Prof. Sunday Atawodi, Lecturer, Faculty of Life Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on Thursday said regular consumption of local food could guarantee keeping cancer at bay.
Atawodi made the assertion during his speech at the public lecture and induction of fellows organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS).
The theme of the event is “Cancer: Keeping the Monster at Bay “.
According to him, such steady intake of local food will lead to healthier life.
“The polyphenol contents of many foodstuffs, including many local foods, their potent antioxidant effects, and promising results of animal’s model of cancer chemoprevention.
“This suggest that their regular consumption can guarantee keeping the “monster“ called cancer of many types at bay, permitting us to enjoy a healthier, longer and better fulfilled life,” he said.
Cancer is a large group of disease (over 200) which is characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Most cancers are named after the organ or type of cell in which they start. For example, lung cancer begins in the lung and laryngeal cancer begins in the larynx (voice box).
Atawodi quoted statistics released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the UN under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (GLOBCAM, 2012), worldwide as saying there were 14.1 million new cancer cases.
He said that the statistics showed that out of the figure, there were 8.2 million cancer deaths, while out of 32.6 million people living with cancer (within five years of diagnosis), 57 per cent or 8 million were cancer new cases.
He said that 65 per cent or 5.3 million of the cancer deaths and 48 per cent or 15.6 million of the 5-year prevalent cancer cases occurred in the less developed region in 2012.
“Therefore, projections based on the GLOBCON 2012 estimates predict a substantial increase to 19.3 million new cases per year by 2015 due to growth and ageing of the global population.“
Atawodi said that statistics showed that more than half of all cancers (56.8 per cent) and cancer deaths (64.9 per cent) in 2012, occurred in less developed regions of the world and these proportions would increase further by 2015.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said that the Federal Government would intensify efforts in delivering effective health service across the nation.
The minister, who was a special guest of honour at the occasion, commended the efforts of NAS for its regular involvement in enlightening the society of the benefits of research findings.
The NAS President, Prof. Mosto Onuoha said the academy would deepen effort toward advancing technology in the country.
Onuoha formally admitted nine new members as fellows of the academy.
They are Prof. Effiom E. Antia, Professor of Oceanography, Prof. A. Balogun, Professor of Physiotherapy, Prof. Charles O. Esimone, Professor of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Prof. Karniyus S. Gamaniel, Professor of Pharmacology.
Others are Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogunpipe, Professor of Botany, Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, Professor of Medicine, Prof. Emiola O. Olapade-Olaopa, Prof. of Medicine, Prof. Marticns O. Olorunfemi, Professor of Applied Geophysics and Prof. Mutfutau Babs Oyeneyin, Professor of Petroleum Engineering. (NAN)
FGA/JEO/GY
