Oncologist says healthy weight, physical activities reduce cancer risks

An Oncologist, Dr Bode Oduguawa, has advised Nigerians to maintain healthy weight and be physically active through regular exercises to avoid the risk of various types of cancers.

Oduguawa, also the Medical Director, LifeLine Medical Services, a Lagos-based private medical facility, gave the advice in an interview with the newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that several studies had shown that physical activity helped in controlling unnecessary weight, which in turn lowered the risk of cancer.

“There is extensive evidence linking body weight, weight change over time, and various alternative measurements of body size to cancer risk.

“Losing as little as 5% to 10% of your total body weight can reduce your risk of developing cancer.

“It may seem like a small amount, but research shows that it can improve your health. Even if you find losing weight hard, eating a more balanced diet and exercising regularly can help lower your cancer risk,” he said.

Oduguawa said that people should also watch the types of food they eat, base their diets on fruits, vegetables and food from plant sources, as well as avoid eating processed meat excessively.

He said people should also limit the number of their sexual partners to avoid the risk of prostrate cancer and cancer of the cervix, particularly those above 40 years.

According to the oncologist, Hepatitis B can also increase the risk of developing cancer of the liver.

He advised people to reduce the intake of alcohol, quit smoking and avoid taking drugs without prescription because they were capable of affecting the liver.

He said, “Too much body fat can spur cancer growth in several ways. Excess fat tissue can lead to chronic inflammation and unhealthy levels of insulin and other hormones; which are associated with cancer cell growth”.

Oduguawa emphasised the need for self examination of the breast and timely report to hospital of any noticeable change such as discharge, irritation and swelling.

According to him, parents should take advantage of the free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine launched by the Federal Government to get girls between the age of nine to 14 vaccinated against cervical cancer.