Cancer Is A Killer - Suhum MP

Member of Parliament for Suhum constituency, Mr. Kwadwo Asante has cautioned Ghanaians to be very mindful of the deadly cancer disease since it is gradually killing many people in the country and the world at large.

The MP in a statement last Thursday 4 February 2021 during the World Cancer Day celebration, said the day is set aside to promote the global awareness of cancer around the world on 4th February every year since its inception in 2000 at the first-ever world summit against cancer. 

Speaking on the theme, the lawmaker mentioned that, the day is also set aside this year to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable and heroic efforts and responses by cancer nurses, doctors, researchers, volunteers, and advocates who continue to do their best to provide life-saving care during a global pandemic.
 
The legislator, popularly known as "Oboafo" by his constituents emphasized that cancer awareness has become exceedingly important in the 21st century. While there have been numerous advancements in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease,  factors that should contribute to its decline, the number of new cases diagnosed each year has globally, arguably increased.
Basing his fact on  World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the annual deaths worldwide from cancer increased from 5.2 million people in 1990 to 8.2 million people in 2012 and  9.6 million people were estimated to have died from cancer in 2018. 
 
He further explained that, according to the World Health Organisation, if the incidence of cancer continues to grow at this rate, then the number of deaths worldwide from cancer will increase to more than 16.3 million by 2040. 

"As the World Cancer Report provides, it's clear evidence that healthy lifestyles and public health action by governments and health practitioners could stem this trend, and prevent as many as one-third of cancers worldwide. This assertion is buttressed by WHO, that as much as forty percent (40%) of deaths from cancer are preventable," the lawmaker stated.

 “How do we ensure that people are educated on the practices and lifestyle changes that are necessary to avoid having this terrible disease?”  What measures are being put in place to ensure that Ghanaians eat well and live thoughtfully? he asked.

One action the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Ghana has taken as part of its effort to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and to promote regenerative health in the country, is the adoption of the concept of "Regenerative Health and Nutrition (RHN)". This practice, when adhered to strictly, is said to eliminate many non-communicable diseases including cancer.

He said in 2008, Ghana Demographic and Health Survey conducted, revealed that there is a gradual increase in alcohol consumption and physical inactivity amongst Ghanaians and also, many Ghanaians remove fruits and vegetables from their diet.

He advised  that we as individuals can join this challenge to focus on our health and to live responsibly since a healthy nation is equal to a productive nation

EK. Ansah/ Parliamentary Correspondent