Smoking Can Cause 17 Different Kinds Of Cancers - Report

Smoking is linked to 17 different types of cancers in addition to lung cancers, according to the 2017 report of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The report, released last week also indicated that in 2017, it is estimated that smoking will cause about 190,500 cancer deaths.
“Even individuals who smoke fewer than one cigarette per day over their lifetime have higher risk of death than non smokers and cessation at any age can reduce the risk of cancer occurrence and cancer related death,” the report endorsed by Michael A. Caligiuri and Margaret Foti, AACR President and AACR Chief Executive Officer respectively said.
The report maintained that a healthy weight, being physically active, and consuming a balanced diet are effective ways a person can lower his or her risk of developing or dying from cancer.”

The report, which was compiled by a team of experts on cancer research, also indicated that obesity has continued to be another major source of the disease. “Exactly how obesity increases a person’s risk for cancer is not well understood, but accumulating evidence indicates a critical role for inflammatory immune cells within the fat tissue”, the report said.

One of the most effective ways a person can lower his or her risk of developing cancer, as well as other smoking related conditions such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and lung diseases, is to avoid or eliminate tobacco use, according to the report.

The report reads in part: “Since the relationship between tobacco use and cancer was first brought to the public’s attention in 1964, development and implementation of major public education and policy initiatives have significantly lowered cigarette smoking rates among U.S. adults.
In fact, it is estimated that from 2000 to 2015, total cigarette consumption decreased by over 38 per cent. “During the same period, use of several tobacco products among high school students also declined sharply: In 1999, more than 40 per cent of high school students reported being current users of cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco compared with just 18 per cent in 2015 “Smoking tobacco increases an individual’s risk of developing not only lung cancer, but also 17 other types of cancer.
 "No level of exposure to tobacco smoke is safe, including exposure to second hand smoke, which is estimated to have resulted in more than 260,000 of the five million lung cancer deaths in the United States (U.S) attributable to smoking from 1965 to 2014."
“Researchers estimate that 20 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States (U.S), including some of the most deadly types of cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, are related to people being overweight or obese, being inactive, and/or eating a poor diet."

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Again, NEMA Warns Of Flooding In Parts Of Nigeria

The National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Metrological Agency on Wednesday called on state governments to prepare for more flooding following recent signals from the Niger Basin Authority.

The Director-General,   NEMA, Mr Yunusa Maihaja, and the DG of NiMet, Prof Dani Mashi, gave the warning in Abuja during a flood coordination meeting with government agencies, United Nations agencies and others.

The states that may be affected are Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Imo and Bayelsa, among others.

Maihaja said the meeting was organised to support planning and information sharing on priority areas of need to respond to the needs of affected communities.

He said 27 States had experienced devastating flood disaster, noting that the agency would do all it could to prepare Nigerians for the imminent flooding.

He said, “Here again is another alert of an emergency warning from the Niger Basin Authority and confirmed by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency of the rising water levels in Niger which has been at ‘Orange Alert level’ consistently for the past seven days.

“The Orange Alert is the second most severe category in measurement. The National Emergency Management Agency is hereby alerting the general public, particularly those resident along the River Niger and its tributaries in Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayesla states of very high risk of catastrophic flooding in coming days and weeks.

“In the light of the above, the agency is therefore calling on the general public in the aforementioned areas to move to higher grounds and the respective state governments to engage in sensitisation, evacuation and preparation for possible flooding.”

He said the agency was ready for any emergency as its emergency response teams had been placed on high alert in the areas to coordinate all possible emergency response activities and assist relevant stakeholders for effective evaluation of the communities.

In his comment, Mashi recalled that in March, NiMET in its Seasonal Rainfall Prediction predicted high intensity rainfall in parts of the country with advice on adequate preparedness to relevant agencies.

He urged NEMA to increase its sensitisation programme, especially in flood-prone states and called on state governments to enforce relocation of those in flood-prone areas.

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New Vaccine Offers Hope For Cervical Cancer Patients

The discovery of a new vaccine that can tackle cervical cancer has raised the hope of many that had been suffering from the disease, especially in middle and low income countries of the world. According to a study published Wednesday in ‘The Lancet,’ the vaccine that can literally eradicate majority of cervical cancer cases showed long-term effectiveness.
The study of 14,215 women in 18 countries strengthened the initial phase three efficacy and safety trial of the nine-valent human papilloma virus vaccine, Gardasil 9 that was published in February 2015 in ‘The New England Journal of Medicine.’ Gardasil 9, marketed by Merck & Co., was approved by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2014.
The vaccine immunises against nine genotypes of HPV known to cause cervical cancer as well as vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers and genital warts caused by HPV. It was an advance over the four-valent HPV vaccine, Gardasil, which was approved by the FDA in 2006. Similarly, the findings also showed that “Gardasil 9 showed 97.4 per cent efficacy to prevent infections and disease caused by the five additional HPV genotypes not included in the four-valent Gardasil vaccine.

The nine-valent HPV vaccine had now been licensed in more than 60 countries for prevention of HPV-related anogenital cancers and precancers and genital warts, a ‘sciencedaily’ report said.
Cervical cancer was a cancer arising from the cervix, occasioned by abnormal growth of cells that had the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes more than 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
Other risk factors include smoking, a weak immune system, birth control pills, starting sex at a young age, and having many sexual partners, but these were less important.
However, cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes over 10 to 20 years. Findings from this new study strengthened the promise that vaccination with Gardasil 9 can reduce 90 per cent of cervical cancers. Available statistics also showed that cancer killed 7.6 million persons in 2008 worldwide and there was indication that the figure could double to 13 million by 2030.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer accounts for 13 per cent of all deaths registered globally and 70 per cent of that figure occurs in middle and low income countries. In Nigeria, breast and cervical cancers were the most prevalent among women while prostate cancer was more in men.
Sadly, in Nigeria which records about 100,000 new cancer cases, including cervical cancer yearly, most cases were diagnosed very late when medical professionals cannot help patients due to the ‘late-stage’ of the condition. Highlighting the progress recorded in the newly discovered vaccine, primary author of the study, Warner Huh, M.D., professor and director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology and a senior scientist at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, applauded the development.
He said: “There is no question that the vaccine works. We’re on the verge of a dramatic change that will positively affect all individuals, particularly women in the United States (U.S.)”.

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Measles: Millions Of Nigerian Children At Risk Unless...

States in Nigeria that do not pay their counterpart funds by the end of today (Friday, September 15) will not participate in the upcoming Measles Vaccination Campaign, the FG has said. So far only four states have released theirs, while eight others have approved but yet to release the money.

Measles is one of the leading causes of deaths among children under five years old in the country. Many communities still witness outbreaks of the disease. At least 166 measles outbreaks affecting 140 council areas across the country were recorded in 2015. Last year the outbreaks jumped to 183.

Campaign starts Oct 26

The campaign starts in the northwest October 26, shifts to north east November 30, the north central by February 1 and all southern states by March 8.

The federal government has released N3.5 billion to fund the campaign and the Federal Capital Territory and the 36 states of the country are also to pay their counterpart funds into an account dedicated for the vaccination.

Findings from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) showed that, as at Monday, only four states - Kebbi, Borno, Imo and Nasarawa - have released the counterpart fund for the exercise.

Eight states - Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Zamfara - have approved, but yet to release the funds. 

The remaining 25 states and the FCT showed neither evidence or release nor approval.

Kano State, it was gathered, has partially released N9 million out of more than N50 million, leaving local governments to pay the balance.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners have unanimously said that states that do not release their funds by September 15th, 2017 (today) would not be allowed to participate in the exercise, Daily Trust learnt.

NPHCDA Executive Director, Faizal Shuaib told a press briefing in Abuja on Monday: “We cannot continue to have poor quality coverage campaign in this country that leaves our children susceptible to measles infections and deaths.”

Low coverage for measles vaccination has increased transmission of the disease-causing virus among children less than 10 years old, Shuaib said.

Our position, by states

Plateau State government said it was yet to provide its counterpart funds to the 2017 Measles Vaccination Campaign because the state only received the letter to that effect within the week.

 The state commissioner of Health, Dr. Kunden Deyin told Daily Trust in a telephone conversation that, “we just received the letter this week and we are doing everything possible to try and meet the deadline.”

Deyin explained that though funds for the counterpart funding was not captured in the budget, “we are trying to dialogue with our Chief Executive but anything can happen in the next three days.”

On the September 15th deadline, Deyin expressed optimism that, the federal government will likely, “shift the goal post.”  

Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Sulaiman Adamu Gummi, said “I’m in Saudi Arabia now (Tuesday); call me again two days later so that I will have ample time to confirm from the officials at home.” 

Mr Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, said the state government’s payment of counterpart funds for the campaign was inhibited by technical accounting hitch and that it would be resolved in the next two days (today). 

In Sokoto State, the Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Sokoto Adamu Abdullahi Romo, said Governor Aminu Tambuwal had approved the counterpart funds for the measles campaign but for bureaucracies of transfer of funds from state government account to the agency’s account. According to him, N27.9 million was approved as the counterpart fund.  

Also speaking Commissioner for Health, Dr Balarabe Kakale, said the state government accords top priority to health and that it had never failed in such exercise. We did it last year and we had done it the previous year, he said.

As at press time, the Cross River state government was yet to confirm if it had paid her counterpart fund as government officials and officials in charge of health matters in the state refused to speak on the fund despite several calls and text messages sent to them.

The commissioner for health in the state, Mrs Inyang Asibong advised our reporter to contact her counterpart, the commissioner for International Development and Cooperation, who, when contacted did not respond to the enquiries.

A mother whose son suffered from the disease, Mrs Helena Essien Itu in Calabar South local government area of the state said lack of adequate vaccines at primary healthcare centres and even at tertiary health institutions in the state have made many children die from avoidable childhood diseases.

The Federal Capital Territory is set to pay her counterpart fund as the proposal has already been sent to the Minister Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello for approval, Acting Secretary of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Mrs Alice Achu-Odey said.

Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mattew Ashikeni said that planning has commenced in earnest “As we speak, various committees that will continue from micro planning up to the macro level have already been established and they have commenced work. The FCTA is partnering with World Health Organisation (WHO) and training has taken off at different levels and we are very hopeful and optimistic that when the final approval comes from the Minister, other activities will also unfold.”

The Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Mallam Mahmud T. Ajeigbe, said the state government has approved the payment of the funds and payment will be made soon. 

In Anambra State, the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Joseph Akabuke said the state is not indebted to any counterpart funds as far as 2017 is concerned. He however said that of the 2018 coming up in March was being worked on.

The Executive Secretary, Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, Hajiya Hauwa Larai Goni, could not confirm whether the state government has paid the counterpart funds or not.

But, in a text message to our correspondent, she said they have submitted the proposal/request to central government for approval.” We are awaiting approval and release from the Federal Government,” she said.

The state commissioner of health, Dr Muhammad Bello Kawuwa said he believed that the state government must have paid the counterpart funds because it has never failed.

“Although it was not paid through my office but, I will soon confirm and get back to you” he added. We had not gotten a response as at press time.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria Wondi Alemu commended the Federal Government for the prompt allocation and complete release of funding for the campaign, adding “Several lessons have been learnt from past campaigns, and great potential exist in country.” 

Experts worried

Experts have also expressed concern over the high rate the disease in young children. The disease is caused by a virus which is usually passed through direct contact, and through the air.  

“The highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person can spread to others through coughing and sneezing and the virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed,” said Dr. Olajide Joseph Adebola, a global eHealth expert and President Society of Telemedicine and eHealth “If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.”

Medical experts said measles, if not well managed in children, could lead to deafness, mental retardation, convulsion, leave them vulnerable to other diseases,  and in extreme cases death. 

In 2014, measles was recorded in 190 children in the north, according to surveillance data.

Last year, incidence of the disease climbed to 527 children out of every one million.

The movement of internally displaced persons from recently liberated areas has made local populations increasingly susceptible and exposed to the disease.

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Inprove Your Brain Health With A Diet Of Cucumber

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot day can help you stay hydrated. However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating typical diet.

Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

Cucumbers may help to "cool" the inflammatory response in your body. And animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2). Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits. 

 Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it's possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control.
Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly. As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. 

There are many ways to enjoy cucumbers, such as fermented or raw in vinegar-based salads. If you're looking for something different, cucumbers make an ideal base for your vegetable juice due to their mild flavor and high water content. In fact, a simple juice of cucumber and celery is ideal for those new to juicing. From there you can work your way up to red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, spinach, and escarole, along with parsley and cilantro. Juicing is actually an ideal way to consume cucumbers.

  

When you drink fresh-made green juice, it is almost like receiving an intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes because they go straight into your system without having to be broken down. When your body has an abundance of the nutrients it needs, and your pH is optimally balanced, you will feel energized and your immune system will get a boost. 

 If you're wondering whether you should choose organic cucumbers over conventionally grown varieties, It is suggested that you choose organic. Cucumbers were ranked the 12th most contaminated food and the second in cancer risk due to their pesticide content, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Further, cucumbers are often waxed after harvest to withstand the long journey to market unscarred and to protect against the many hands that touch them. Therefore, it is better to chose organic Cucumbers than these other varieties.

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Plastic In Water Could Damage Body Organs

A new environmental study, performed by State University of New York and the University of Minnesota, says there are microscopic fibers of plastic in our water systems and we ingest them with every sip.

According to a report by the Sacramento Bee, the researchers examined 159 water samples from many nations across five continents, and found that 83 percent of the samples contained plastic fibers. In the US, 94 percent of samples were found to contain the nasty fibers.

The US samples were reportedly taken from several important locations, including the US Congressional buildings in Washington, DC; Trump Tower in New York; and ironically, the Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters, also in Washington.

Scientists claim that these plastic fibers may also contain toxic chemicals that are released into your system as they are digested. The smallest particles, deemed “nanoparticles,” would also be able to penetrate your body’s cells and cause internal damage, the scientists claim.

“If the fibers are there, it is possible that the nanoparticles are there too that we can’t measure,” Anne Marie Mahon, from the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, told the Guardian. “Once they are in the nanometer range they can really penetrate a cell and that means they can penetrate organs, and that would be worrying.”

As to where these particles are coming from, scientists can’t really tell. One possible explanation says the fibers come from synthetic materials in our clothes, as washing machines reportedly flush about 700,000 fibers into the environment, according to one study by Plymouth University in the United Kingdom.

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