Ulcer or not?; A dive into the insidious culprit known as Stomach cancer
Written By Dr Ima Ekanem KEY POINTS Stomach cancer accounts for the 5th most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Stomach cancer does not present with specific symptoms in early stages, making it easily misdiagnosed. Long-term and poorly treated Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is a known common cause of […]
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Key Points. Often diagnosed late, leading to a lower survival rate. Lifestyle changes are the most powerful tool for prevention. New treatments are improving outcomes, especially with early detection. What is Esophageal Cancer? Esophageal cancer is a serious disease where malignant cells form in the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. It’s […]
PANCREATIC CANCER
Key Points Often diagnosed at a late stage due to vague or absent early symptoms. Treatment options are more limited and less successful than for many other cancers. Research is focused on early detection methods and more targeted therapies. What is Pancreatic Cancer? To start with, let us talk about the pancreas.[1] The pancreas is […]
BLADDER CANCER
Written by Onyiyechi Roseline Agwu Main Points Bladder cancer mostly affects elderly men (average age ~73) and is rare below 50 years. Key symptoms include painless blood in urine, difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, and urinary retention. Major risk factors are smoking, chemical exposure, chronic bladder infections (e.g., schistosomiasis), bladder stones, and family history. Diagnosis and […]
LIVER CANCER: Understanding the symptoms and prevention
Main Points Liver Cancer is a tumour within liver cells. The major causative factors are: Hepatitis B or C infections, Alcohol and Tobacco abuse as well as obesity Treatment involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. Maria’s Journey(fictional) Maria sat in her doctor’s office, staring at the floor, then the window, the middle-aged doctor and back […]
Breast Cancer: Awareness, Risks, and Prevention
Main Points Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with over 2.3 million cases each year. Risk factors include age, family history, hormonal influences, and lifestyle habits. Early detection through screenings and self-exams greatly improves survival rates. Simple lifestyle changes like exercise, balanced diets, and limiting alcohol reduce risk. Accessible healthcare platforms like Doctor […]
Cervical Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Key Takeaways Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable through HPV vaccination and routine screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause, especially high-risk strains HPV-16 and HPV-18. Early symptoms are rare, making regular Pap smears and HPV testing essential for detection. Treatment depends on the stage and may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Global […]