Healthy Baby: Useful Tips For Parents And Carers

“Make no mistake about why these babies are here – they are here to replace us.”

…Jerry Seinfeld

Breastfeeding
Breast feeding is the normal way to feed babies. Breast milk provides all the nutrition the baby needs. It has hundreds of antibodies, enzymes, and other factors that protect babies from infections and diseases .Breast milk is easy for the baby to digest, it is always at the right temperature, easy to provide, always handy. Breastfeeding is also good for the mothers because it helps them to return more quickly to pre-pregnancy weight, gives stronger bones in later life, helps to bond more closely to the baby and lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and diabetes.
The World Health Organization, and many other National and international organizations Recommend that no other foods besides Breast milk be given to the babies until they are six months old. They also recommend that one continues to breastfeed after starting solid foods at six months.
The Hospital provides lactation service for mothers who register for antenatal care and deliver in the hospital. Lectures and practical guides are given by the lactation experts (Doctors and Nurses)
 Soft spots
The soft spots (fontanelles) on top of a baby’s head are there so that the baby’s bones can move a little, so that the baby can more easily fit through the birth passage when he is being born. These spots will usually close over in the baby’s first year or so. Sometimes a fontanelle swells when the baby is crying and goes flat when the crying stops. It can also be sunken if the baby is dehydrated.
Reflexes
Babies do some things automatically without knowing they are doing them. These are called reflexes.  For example, if something is put in their mouths they suck on it (sucking reflex), and if something is put in their hands they hold on tight (grasp reflex). If they are startled or upset they fling their arms out and throw their heads back (startle reflex).
Breast Bud
Babies are often born with large genitals and Breasts and sometimes ‘milk’ even comes from their breasts. This swelling is due to the mother’s hormones, it is normal (even for boys) and it does not last long. Don’t try to squeeze any milk out of the breasts, as too much pressure can sometimes cause an infection. If the breasts become larger, firm and tender, and your baby seems unwell, there could be an infection, and you would need to take your baby to your doctor.
Umbilicus
The baby’s umbilicus (belly button) may take several days to heal fully, and many babies have umbilical hernias. An umbilical hernia is a lump underneath their belly button (umbilicus). It may swell if the baby is crying. This is a small gap in the tummy muscles and will nearly always go away in time. It does not cause health problems.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a yellowish, patchy, greasy, scaly and crusty skin rash that occurs on the scalp of recently born babies. You can put on olive oil or baby oil to soften the scales and wash the oil off the next day. Gently lift off the softened scales with a soft brush. If some of the scales are sticking to the surface of the scalp, use the oil again the next night. Do not use much pressure to scrape off the scales as this could cause wound on the underlying skin.
Rashes
Most babies have spots on their faces and often on parts of the body in the first few weeks. They are called milia and can look like acne –red spots with white centers. They are not acne and they do not need any treatment. They seem to be a reaction to the skin being exposed to air rather than to fluid in the womb (uterus) before birth. Sometimes the spots come when the baby gets hot or has been lying on that side: Some may also be reactions of the skin to Baby’s cream, lotions etc
 Diaper Rash
This is a red and painful rash on the diaper area. Rashes can be caused by irritation from dampness of urine or bowel movement on the skin. To Prevent Diaper Rash, Wash your hands before and after changing diapers. Keep the skin dry by changing diapers as soon as they are wet or soiled. Wash the diaper area with warm water and dry well or preferably use a baby wipe. Take the diaper off and expose the area to the air for 10 to15 minutes, three times a day. You can lay your baby on an absorbent towel and play with her during this time: When the diaper area is clean and dry, rub on a thin Layer of zinc-based cream.
Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Thrush is a common infection in infants. Thrush appears as a whitish Gray coating on the tongue and on the inside of the cheeks and gums. This coating is not easily wiped off. Babies may also develop thrush on their skin. Most babies do not have any pain or complications with thrush
Regurgitation
Lots of babies have hiccups after feeds. This is normal. Some babies spill some milk after feeds. If they are growing well and happy this is nothing to worry about. If the baby is bringing up milk in big spurts much of the time and not putting on weight or is miserable a lot of the time, you need to see the doctor.
Colic
Many babies cry for up to three hours, or sometimes more, a day in the early weeks. Most babies like being held and comforted. Some babies still cry when they are being held. Remember that every baby is different. While babies usually follow similar patterns with their development, your baby might do things faster or slower or differently from other babies and this is usually fine. If the baby is doing things much more slowly or not doing some things at all, it is a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure that all is going well.
Buccal Cysts
Some babies have little white lumps like tiny pearls in their mouth, especially on the  gums . These is normal and go away when the baby grows.
Teething
Most babies get their first tooth between 6-9 months. Once teething starts, it continues almost uninterrupted for about two years. Some babies have no difficulty with teething while others may become fussy and uncomfortable. Some things you can do to relieve sore or tender gums: Give the baby a clean teething ring (Teether). Clean and massage the gums regularly to ease discomfort.
Baby’s stools
Very young breastfed babies usually do several ‘poos’a day. Even if your baby seems to be pushing hard, the “poo” is usually very soft. After a few weeks some breastfed babies only have a “poo” every few days and it will still be soft. All this is normal. Bottle fed babies might have firmer “poos”. If the “poos” seem very hard, water may be given to the baby to help the poos are soft again. Some may also have constipation for days, they may need to be assisted with the bowel movement.
Baby’s urine
A little light pink or orange stain from urine on the nappy is common and is nothing to worry about. It is caused by a reaction between chemicals in the baby’s urine (urates) and chemicals in the fibres of the nappy. It is more likely in boys because their stream of wee (urine) is more likely to be all in the same place on the diaper. If it is red or leaves a brown stain, that is, if it looks at all like blood or your baby seems unwell and is not feeding normally you need to have it checked by a doctor. Sometimes there can be small ‘crystals’ on the inner surface of a disposable nappy. These come from the inside of the nappy not from the baby.
Vaginal blood loss
Some female babies have a small vaginal blood loss a few days after birth. This loss is due to the change in hormone levels after birth causing a brief menstrual period. This bleeding stops after a day or two. There will not be any more vaginal blood loss until the girl reaches puberty and starts to have periods.
Developmental milestones
The child developmental milestones are briefly analyzed below: 
Six week:  he can smile at you when you smile at him.
Two month : Neck Control i.e  he can hold up his head when you are holding him upright and lift  his head up if he is lying on his tummy.
Three month: he will enjoy hitting toys that make a noise and he can hold a rattle for a short time.
Four month: he may be able to roll from his front to his back, but it may be another couple  of months, or more, before he can roll from his back to his front.
Six month: he may be able to sit without support
Seven month: she will be sitting up and might be starting to crawl.
Nine month: many babies can pull themselves up to stand. Some babies take longer. It takes another two or three months or so before he can stand without holding onto something and then a few more weeks before he can actually walk.
Twelve month: babies will talk to you in their own language, and expect you to
understand. They may say one or two clear words – Hello, No etc. They can understand some words. The baby will be able to hold something with his thumb and forefinger and play little games like wave goodbye.
Jaundice
Jaundice appears in about half of full term babies and about three most of preterm babies. Babies has extra red blood cells. As the blood cells breakdown, A yellow Colored substance called bilirubin is released. The yellow coloured substance in the baby’s blood causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to take on a yellowish tinge called jaundice. In most infants, Jaundice is mild. It comes on during the first three to five days and lasts only a few days. The only treatment needed initially is lots of breastfeeding and later phototherapy. Do not give water by bottle as bilirubin is better eliminated through stools than urine. Untreated severe jaundice can lead to brain damage and deafness.
Immunization/Vaccinations
Immunizations help to protect children from many diseases. Other words for immunizations are inoculations, vaccinations, boosters, and shots. Immunizations help the baby’s immune system make substances called antibodies that fight diseases. The baby then develops protection against these diseases. Some vaccines are only given once or twice, and some need to be given over a period of time in a series of properly spaced immunizations. By immunizing your baby, you give him the best possible protection against many serious diseases. Always take your child’s record with you when he gets his immunizations. Keep it with other important papers, because your child will need his immunization record when he is older. Sometimes immunizations may cause minor side effects, but these are temporary. These side effects might be soreness or swelling where the needle went into the arm or leg, or a slight fever. These do not usually last long. Serious side effects from immunizations are very rare.
Vitamin K Injection
All newborns should have an injection of Vitamin K within 6 hours after birth.This injection helps prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn is a bleeding problem that occurs during the first few days  of life.
Eye Treatment
Pediatrians recommends that all newborns receive treatment to prevent an infection of  gonorrhoea or chlamydia. These infections can get into the baby’s eyes during birth. Today, an eye ointment is usually used to treat a baby’s eyes if the discharge is copious. If not treated, these infections are severe and can cause blindness.
Ear infection
Middle ear infections is called Otitis Media. Children can also get infections in the ear canal (called Otitis Externa).It causes pain, fever and distress to children and is one of the reasons why they may wake at night. Ear infections can also affect children’s hearing.
Fever
Fever is usually caused by an infection. The source of the infection can be bacteria or a virus. Fever is the normal process of fighting an infection. Babies less than six months old should be taken to their health care provider if they have a fever. Let the baby breastfeed more, or offer more to drink, take off extra clothes that the baby is wearing. Give medicine to help bring down the fever and make him more comfortable. Give your baby a tepid sponging or lukewarm bath. Not every sick baby will have a fever, especially if they are less than 1 month old. Some signs of a sick baby may be poor feeding, excessive crying or being irritable.
Temperature Range
Your baby’s body temperature changes throughout the day. It is lowest in the early morning and highest in the early evening. Normal temperature taken under the armpit is 36.5°C to 37.4°C (97.7°F to 99.3°F).Put the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the armpit. Tuck the arm snugly against the body, then comfort and distract your baby. After about 1 minute the thermometer will beep if it is digital. Mothers are advised to get their own digital thermometer for home use.
Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
Paracetamol (which in some countries is called acetaminophen/tyelenol ) has been safely used for many years to help with mild to moderate pain and fever for babies, young children and older children.  But if too much paracetamol is given to a child, especially a sick child, for too long, it can harm the child. Ibuprofen is a newer drug than paracetamol, but it has also been used for fever and mild to moderate pain in children and adults for some years. It is not suitable for children under six months of age. If the fever persist for 1-2 days,it is advisable the child is seen by the doctor.
Circumcision
Circumcision, where allowed and legal, is the removal of the flap of skin which naturally covers the tip of the penis.
Circumcision can be painful for the child, both at the time of the operation and even some days after. Male Circumcision reduces risks of urinary tract infection in infancy and reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS later in life and also balanitis that occur in some uncircumcised individuals. The babies are placed on paracetamol after the procedure.
Female circumcision is harmful and is not  or be allowed to be done  due to the various complications  that the surgery exposes the female child to. When she becomes adult, female circumcision is harmful to good enjoyable sex life and a danger to child birth of the circumcised woman
Preterm Babies
Preterm babies “or preemies” are those who are born before 37 weeks gestation. Preemies may have immature organ systems. Generally, the younger the baby’s age at birth, the more health problems she may have. Preterm baby may need to be separated from the mother at birth if special care is required. When the preterm baby is well enough, she may be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact with the mother. This is called Kangaroo Care. The baby is unwrapped and placed on the chest where he can hear the heart beat, feel the breathing, and breastfeed. The babies may have problems with feeding. They may be fed via special tubes or pump to give breast milk for feeding.
Remember – Never shake a baby or throw a baby up! It can lead to seizure, brain damage and death.

Milk intolerance in infants

A concerned mom shared her experience with other mothers about the likely causes of diarrhoea in children:

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“When my daughter was two months old, she started having diarrhoea. I let this go on for a couple of days and then took her to our family doctor. The doctor told me that she had gastroenteritis (infectious diarrhoea). She was prescribed oral rehydration solution and Flagyl syrup.

“After a couple of days, she still wasn’t any better and I was at my breaking point. So, I scheduled an appointment with another doctor in order to get a second opinion. The new doctor that I now call my daughter’s paediatrician said she didn’t think that the baby had gastroenteritis. She said that she was likely to be lactose intolerant and had colic.

“She told us that when a baby is developing intolerance to cow’s milk, a symptom of that is diarrhoea. So, she advised us to change her baby formula. We did and, immediately, the diarrhoea stopped.”

Lactose (milk) intolerance happens when the body cannot break down a sugar called lactose, which is present in all milk – from breast milk, to dairy (cow) milk and other dairy products.

Lactose makes up around seven per cent of breast milk, similar to the amount in infant formula. Lactose provides around 40 per cent of baby’s energy needs, helps absorb calcium and iron, and helps ensure healthy development.

Usually, the enzyme, lactase, which is produced in the small intestine, changes lactose into glucose and galactose – sugars that are more easily absorbed. Sometimes, babies don’t produce enough lactase to break down all the lactose, so the unabsorbed lactose passes through the intestine without being digested. Undigested lactose irritates the intestine and causes a build-up of wind and diarrhoea.

Most children or adults who are diagnosed with lactose intolerance can digest small amounts of lactose, which would not cause symptoms.

Causes

Primary lactose intolerance happens when babies are born with no lactase enzymes at all. This is genetic and extremely rare. It is a medical emergency and the baby would need a special diet from soon after birth in order to thrive.

Secondary lactose intolerance can occur if a child’s digestive system is disrupted by any illness that affects healthy production of enzymes like lactase; or if there is not enough lactase being produced. Illnesses that might lead to secondary lactose intolerance include tummy bugs that cause gastroenteritis.

Sometimes, lactose intolerance is confused with other digestive problems, such as food allergy or lactose overload. This is because these conditions have similar symptoms. Food allergies and lactose overload are not the same as lactose intolerance, and do not affect a baby’s production of lactase.

Lactose overload

Lactose overload also causes all the symptoms similar to lactose intolerance, but it is not the same as lactose intolerance. Lactose overload occurs when a baby consumes large amounts of lactose at one time and cannot break it all down. The condition can occur when bottle-fed babies drink a lot of milk. Again, babies who are being weaned on too much milk may have similar conditions. Mothers have a natural oversupply of breast milk in their baby’s early weeks.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lactose intolerance and lactose overload are similar and are listed as: pain, wind, swelling of the tummy, crankiness, failure to settle at feeding times, coming on and off the breast, failure to gain weight, diarrhoea, frothy green stools, perianal excoriation (redness and peeling of the buttocks) and an irritable baby who may pass wind often.

Lactose intolerance doesn’t cause vomiting, but food allergies do.

Diagnosing lactose intolerance

Clinitest tablet: This is usually deployed when a small amount of stool is mixed with water, and then a special tablet is added and checked for colour change. This is mostly used when temporary lactose intolerance is suspected after gastroenteritis.

Hydrogen breath test: This is used to test the amount of hydrogen gas in the child’s breath. Lactose-intolerant children will have higher levels of hydrogen in their breath, because of the process of fermentation in the gut (when bacteria feed on the lactose that hasn’t been broken down).

Elimination diet: This involves removing foods containing lactose from the child’s diet to see whether symptoms improve. If the symptoms come back once the foods are reintroduced, lactose intolerance is most likely the cause of the problem.

Stool PH/acidity test: This test, used in infants and young children, measures the amount of acid in the stool. It will reveal the presence or otherwise of lactic acid and glucose produced by undigested lactose and other substances.

Treatment

Treatment for lactose intolerance depends on the cause. Primary lactose intolerance is an emergency. It requires the attention of a doctor, paediatrician or nutritionist.

For secondary lactose intolerance caused by gastroenteritis, using Lactaid drops that contain the enzyme lactase may help. This is not readily available in Nigeria, though.

Alternate breastfeeding with lactose-free or soy-based infant formula, which are readily available in Nigeria, can also be deployed. For serious condition, the baby may be weaned from the formula for a while.

In the case of perianal excoriation, the redness, cuts or abrasions on the baby’s buttocks due to acidity of the lactose may be treated with good protective cream.

Cancer of the Breast and Cervix Can Be Prevented

 “TWO years ago I wrote about my choice to have a preventive double mastectomy. A simple blood test had revealed that I carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. It gave me an estimated 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer.

I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer. I wanted other women at risk to know about the options. I promised to follow up with any information that could be useful, including about my next preventive surgery, the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes.” Angelina Jolie Pitt: Diary of a Surgery

Cancer of the breast is the commonest cancer in women. Generally speaking, the core culprit causing cancer of the breast is estrogen, yet it’s a necessary hormone that helps to maintain the female appearance.

Risk Factors

A family risk or history of cancer of the breast,

Not ever breast fed babies. The less baby that the breast has breast-fed; the higher tend to be the risk.

No history of advanced pregnancy (progesterone tend to shield the breast from the harmful effect of the estrogen)

No exercise/obesity

Oral contraceptive pills especially the ones that contain high amount of estrogen.

Menopause.

Poor nutritional habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol.

Environmental factors that tend to change the genetic make-up of the individual.

Symptoms

Usually there is a lump or growth , If notice or care is not taken, the growth becomes bigger and spread to other areas. There could be ulceration of the skin from the growth area. There could be discharge from the nipple or bleeding.

The covering skin of the breast could be distorted and appear like orange skin. The armpit on the affected side, could be involved and become swollen (lymphadenopathy). In very rare situation, the signs described above may not so be obvious until it’s too late.

Male Breast Cancer

1% of breast cancer occurs in men. Swollen male breast may however be due to alcohol misuse and other reasons. Men should take similar pre-caution as women as recommended here.

Prevention
The key to it all is vigilance. A simple once-a-week self-examination of the breasts could safe life. Health professionals could teach women how to conduct this examination. Doctors and nurses can also examine the breast from time to time. In suspicious cases and in every woman above 40-years, mammography once a year is recommended. This can be combined with sonography if required.

In women (and men with family history of prostate cancer) who has a family history of breast cancer, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, it’s highly recommended that they have a genetic test (BRAC1 and BRAC2) done to reveal their vulnerability to breast cancer.

Treatment
Anyone who has a breast growth or abnormal discharge should contact a qualified doctor as a soon as possible for assessment. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of or the whole of the breast or both breasts. Other treatments include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Cervical Cancer:

Cervix is the thick muscular support at the neck of the womb. The purpose of the cervix is to support the pregnancy from early loss. Containing a channel at its centre, to a large extent, the cervix also controls what goes into the womb.

Cancer of the Cervix

Cancer of the cervix is amongst the commonest cancer in women and the cancer is killing several women annually, yet cancer of the cervix is preventable.  Unlike breast cancer that is commoner in those who are over 40’s, cervical cancer can hit anyone who is sexually active.  Thus, to some extent, cancer of the cervix can be regarded as sexually transmitted disease.

Cancer of the uterine cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide: Second only to cancer of the breast. The estimated new cancer cervix cases per year are 500,000 of which 79% occur in the developing countries including Nigeria.

Causes

Close to 70-90% percent of cervical cancer is caused by viral infection called human papilloma virus (HPV).

Risk factors  

This is sexually transmissible from the sexual partners. Thus, multiple sexual partners is a risk.

Direct cigarette smoking or indirect smoke inhalation from smokers is a risk factor

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer of the Cervix

The sufferer may not know of the disease until it’s too late.  There may be bleeding during sexual intercourse ,intermenstrual bleeding, foul vaginal discharge. In advanced cases, pain may occur in lower abdomen. Swelling of the abdomen may occur.  Other organs may be involved such as lung, liver and brain in the individuals where the disease has spread. Weight loss and anaemia may present itself.  

Prevention

1. Teenage girls (and boys) can now be vaccinated against human papilloma virus from the age of 13 to under 26.
2. 3-yearly cervical cancer screening (Pap-Smear) is highly recommended in any girl who is sexually active.
3.  Sexual abstinence, use of barrier protection (condom) are likely to prevent occurrence of cancer of the cervix.
4. Sticking to a faithful partner while not a 100% guarantee, will reduce the chance of developing cancer of the cervix.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the womb or cervix (Hysterectomy) or cervix alone can be considered.,Cold or heat treatment of suspicious cancer cells is another step,In advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are other options.

Psychotherapy

Life can be challenging for cancer patients and not the least, breast and cervical cancer sufferers: they will need clinical and religious counselling in holistic approach and family support to see the patient through the illness.

Cancer Prevention Seminar

The Strategic Insight Healthcare (The Hospital) is organising a seminar entitled “Cancer Prevention:  A must.” A dietician and a medical rehabilitation specialist have been contacted to talk on the role of diet and exercise in cancer prevention. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit www.the-hospitals.com to register. This will also be accompanied by screening for prostate, breast and cervical cancers.

This piece was written by a gynaecologist, Dr Joel Akande, an infertility specialist. He will also be facilitating during the seminar.

Prostate cancer is curable if detected early

“In November, 2013, I discovered that I had prostate cancer and I have been treating it. I finished treatment on October 28, 2014 and that’s why I’ve come out to tell the world.

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“Many people start looking at you as if you are a ghost. No! It’s not a death sentence and it is curable. I have undergone the treatment and I even have a certificate and medal to show for it, but I don’t normally wear decorations.

“I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever tests are available in our limited circumstances here and more importantly, to encourage those who are in charge of our health to take the cancer menace seriously.” –Prof. Wole Soyinka.

he Nobel Laureate added that he had to make his experience with prostate cancer public in order to demystify the disease, which he says is curable if detected early.

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men.

This cancer affects only men and it is the commonest type of cancer that kills men, as the cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

Risk factors

Genetics: If a father had prostate cancer, there is five- to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.

Smoking is also a risk factor. If you are a smoker, your risk is almost 1.5 per cent increased.

Alcohol: Taking of excessive alcohol and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Men with high blood pressure are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer occurs more commonly among blacks as they mature in age, particularly above 45 years old. One reason is that higher levels of testosterone in black men expose them to higher risks of prostate cancer.

Family history, as well as growing older, also increases risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, although younger men can also have it.

Prevention

Men should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which include a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity. Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol.

Men should eat enough fresh or cooked tomatoes in order to reduce the chance of having prostate cancer because of the lycopene contained in tomato.

Lycopene-rich foods such as fresh tomatoes and tomato products are potential effectors in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer.

Symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Sometimes, however, prostate cancer does cause symptoms, often similar to those of diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Weak flow of urine or frequent urination, especially at night, is a culprit.

Other conditions could also cause these symptoms, and they may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain while urinating; blood in the urine or semen, dizziness and fatigue, persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, pain during ejaculation.

Diagnosis

A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and confirm the diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include: a digital rectal examination, a blood test to measure levels of prostate specific antigen, imaging of the prostate, which may include transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the prostate for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment and care of people with cancer is usually provided by a team of health professionals, called a multidisciplinary team. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms and the person’s general health.

Treatment options for prostate cancer can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) to destroy cancer cells.

Psychotherapy

People often feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious and upset after a diagnosis of cancer and will need counselling, support and reassurance. These are all normal feelings.

Detection

Screening is important to detecting prostate cancer early. This is highly recommended for anyone at high risk, such as those with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65; and those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.

Anyone over 40 will need screening tests for prostate on a yearly basis.

Cancer prevention seminar

The strategic health insight (The Hospital) is organising a seminar entitled “Cancer prevention, a must.” A dietician and a medical rehabilitation specialist have been contacted to talk on the role of diet and exercise in cancer prevention. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit www.the-hospitals.com for details.

 

Cancer education and awareness

Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. All cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.

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Over one and a half million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year.

Years ago, most people who had cancer did not live very long. That’s not the case anymore. Every year, more and more people survive cancer. This is especially true of children with cancer and those whose cancers were found early, before they spread.

Causes of cancer

Some cancers are caused by things people do or expose themselves to. Tobacco use can cause cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, bladder, kidneys, and many other organs. Of course, not everyone who uses tobacco will get cancer, and not everyone that gets cancer uses tobacco, but it greatly increases a person’s risks.

Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer linked to sunlight and tanning bed exposure.

Radiation can cause cancer. For instance, people exposed to high dose of radiation have a higher cancer risk than those who were not exposed.

Certain chemicals have been linked to cancer, too. Being exposed to or working with them can increase a person’s risk of cancer. About five per cent to 10 per cent of all cancers are linked to genes inherited from parents.

Risk factors

Some of the major cancer risk factors that can be controlled include tobacco use, diet, physical activity, weight, alcohol use, sun exposure, environmental exposures such as radon, lead, and asbestos; exposure to infections like hepatitis, HPV, and HIV

Prevention

There’s no sure way to prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to help reduce your chances of getting it.

Tobacco: Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body and accounts for some 30 per cent of all cancer deaths. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and oral (smokeless) tobacco products cause cancer and should not be used. People who use tobacco should try to quit.

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol is linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer. Some people think that certain types of alcohol are safer than others. But ethanol is the type of alcohol found in all alcoholic drinks, whether they are beers, wines, or liquors (distilled spirits).

Diet: Diet (what we eat or don’t eat) is linked to some types of cancer. There is a lower cancer risk for people who eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit, choose whole grains rather than refined grains and sugars, limit red meats (beef, pork, and lamb), limit processed meats.

Vaccines: One virus that’s clearly linked to cancer is the human papilloma virus. HPV has been linked to cervical cancer, anal cancer, many genital cancers, and even head and neck cancers. Still, young people who are not yet sexually active should have a lower future cancer risk if they get one of the vaccines before they’re exposed to HPV. Hepatitis B vaccine is also a prevention strategy for liver cancer.

Diagnosis

A person’s signs and symptoms are not enough to know whether or not cancer is present. If your doctor suspects cancer, you will need more tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy. In most cases, a biopsy is the only way to be sure whether cancer is present.

To do a biopsy, a piece of the lump or abnormal area is taken out and sent to the laboratory.

Treatment

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the three main types of cancer treatment. A person with cancer may have any or all of these treatments.

Other kinds of treatment you might hear about include targeted therapy, stem cell or bone marrow transplant, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.

Early detection

To find cancer early while it’s small and before it has spread, adults should have regular tests called cancer screening tests. These tests help doctors find common cancers before they cause symptoms. For example, regular screening can find cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, mouth, prostate and skin early.

If cancer is found early, it can be easier to treat. Survival also tends to be longer for those with early cancer. Talk to your doctor about which screening tests might be right for you.­

Cancer prevention seminar

The strategic health insight (The Hospital) is organising a seminar titled Cancer Prevention…A must. Arrangement has been made with a Consultant Radiation Oncologist to give the keynote lecture. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit www.the-hospitals.com for details.

This will also be accompanied by a screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer.

Keep a date with me next week for insightful piece on breast, cervical and prostate cancers.

To be concluded.