On February 4, 2024, the global community unites in solemn commemoration of World Cancer Day, bearing the poignant slogan “Close the care gap.” As we raise our collective voices in solidarity, the call to action resounds, urging us to confront this silent adversary.
Cancer, with its insidious nature, has woven itself into the very fabric of our societies, affecting families, communities, and nations worldwide. It does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, tribe, or socioeconomic status. Its silent march claims lives, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak and resilience.
In Nigeria, where the impact of cancer is both profound and pervasive, the statistics paint a sober picture. According to the National Cancer Control Plan (2018-2022), cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria every year, with an estimated 102,000 new cases of cancer annually. Breast cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer stand as leading contributors. Breast cancer accounts for 27%, cervix uteri 14%, liver 12%, prostate 12%, and colorectum 4.1%.
These figures not only illuminate the breadth of the issue but also emphasise the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to address the specific nuances of cancer. A public opinion poll conducted and published by NOIPolls in June 2023 revealed that 62 percent of adult Nigerians do not know the causes of cancer disease. However, 14 percent attributed the cause to eating canned food, while 7 percent said it is caused by poor hygiene, among other mentioned causes.
The global cancer landscape reveals glaring inequalities between developed and developing nations. While incidence rates soar globally, mortality disproportionately affects less developed countries like Nigeria. The scarcity of early detection mechanisms and limited access to crucial health treatment facilities in Nigeria perpetuates this disparity and demands urgent attention. Inadequate infrastructure, understaffed facilities, and limited access to essential services have left many Nigerians grappling with the harsh consequences of a healthcare system in dire need of reform. The ramifications of this inadequacy are felt acutely by those battling chronic health illnesses like cancer.
Amidst the shadows cast by our faltering healthcare system, the importance of safe and nutritious food should emerge as a beacon of empowerment. The choices we make in our daily diets not only impact our immediate well-being but also contribute significantly to long-term health outcomes. Opting for safe food becomes a form of preventive healthcare, offering protection against a myriad of health risks, including those associated with cancer.
The relationship between the food we eat and cancer is complex and multifaceted. While a balanced and nutritious diet is generally associated with a lower risk of cancer, certain aspects of our food supply chain, including the use of agrochemicals, have raised concerns about their potential cancer risks. Nigeria’s agriculture/farm system is largely conventional monoculture. It is largely vulnerable to climate change impacts, and pest attacks; hence, farmers and government are tempted to use more toxic agrochemicals, rather than rethink farm systems and practices.
Agrochemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fertilisers, are designed to kill pest (weeds, insects, fungi, etc) that threatens crops. However, a large number of these chemicals have been identified as potential carcinogens. Exposure to certain pesticides has been scientifically linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and others.
According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), a USA cancer-focused organisation, and the Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN), exposure to pesticides and herbicides with active ingredients like DDT, Glyphosate, Chlorpyrifos, Atrazine, Dieldrin & Aldrin, Dimethoate, Endosulfan, Tetramethrin, Diuron, Acephate, Cypermethrin, Dichlorvos (DDVP), etc., especially during critical periods of breast development such as prenatally and in early childhood, is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Most of these pesticide active ingredients that have been scientifically proven and, in some cases, have medical reports and even court cases linking them to causing an increase in incidents of tumors of the pancreas, mammary glands, thyroid glands, and prostate glands and, in some cases, weakening of bone marrow. Most of them have clearly been categorised as “carcinogenic” or most “possible human carcinogenic” by leading organisations, institutions, and authorities.
For instance, in 2015, however, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified Glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Moreover, the chemical has triggered multiple lawsuits from people who believe that exposure to the herbicide caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2017, CNN reported that more than 800 people were suing Monsanto; by the following year, that figure was in the thousands.
There are a minimum of 444 pesticide brands with active ingredients that are probable or classified as cancer-causing in Nigeria according to the AAPN 2023 study.
Many agrochemical pesticides act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. This disruption can influence hormone levels and functions, potentially contributing to the development of hormone-related cancers. In Nigeria, the pervasive use of pesticides has become a matter of grave concern, particularly due to its association with a rising cancer epidemic.
Residual pesticide and herbicide residues on fruits, vegetables, and grains can enter the human body through consumption. Washing and peeling may reduce exposure, but complete elimination is challenging. Runoff from farm fields treated with agrochemicals can contaminate water sources and soil, affecting the quality of food grown in these environments, as well as diminishing the population of aquatic life and beneficial insects and microbes that support soil health and plant growth.
Aside from pesticides, certain additives and preservatives used in processed foods may have carcinogenic properties. Some studies suggest a potential link between the consumption of processed meats containing nitrites and nitrates to increased risk of colorectal cancer. Additives like Potassium Bromate, Propylparaben, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Red-3 are already banned in some countries as they linked to Cancer.
The use of Genetically Modified Crops (GMOs), designed to resist pests or withstand herbicides, has sparked debates about their potential cancerous impact on human health. While some studies suggest no immediate health risks, the long-term effects remain a subject of ongoing research and discussion.
The speedy and undisclosed processes in the recent approvals of TELA GMO varieties by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) should be interrogated for more openness of all studies, tests, and public display of long-term toxicology results of the released varieties need to be accessible to the Nigerian public, especially when the citizens are already deprived of the right to choose whether or not they want to consume GMOs.
In summary, the relationship between the food we eat, and cancer involves various factors, and agrochemicals play a role, particularly concerning pesticide use. Choosing organic produce, adopting sustainable farming practices, and advocating for stricter regulations on agrochemical usage are ways to address concerns and promote a healthier food supply. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the risk of cancer. Specifically, we can all –
- Choose Organic Produce: Opt for organic fruits, vegetables, and grains whenever possible. Organic farming practices typically reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, promoting a safer and more environmentally friendly food supply. Nigeria has huge potentials to grow food organically, but our government is yet to make this a priority.
- Promote Sustainable Farming in Nigeria the Nigerian government, private investors, banks and communities, need to support and advocate for sustainable farming practices that prioritise ecological balance. Sustainable agriculture minimises the use of harmful chemicals, focuses on soil health, and promotes biodiversity, contributing to a safer and more resilient food production system.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: We all need to work towards increasing public awareness about the potential risks associated with certain agrochemicals and processed foods. Collaborate with health organisations, community leaders, and educational institutions to disseminate information on making informed dietary choices to reduce cancer risks.
- Advocate for Stricter Regulations: There is need to join or support initiatives and regulations that call for stricter regulations on the import and use of internationally banned and highly Hazadious agrochemicals in farming and processing. We must charge our policymakers and government officials to introduce, implement and enforce guidelines that prioritise above all – the health and well-being of the population, ensuring a safer and more transparent food supply chain.
- Encourage a Balanced and Nutritious Diet: We all must promote the importance of a well-balanced and nutritious diet as a fundamental aspect of cancer prevention. Medical Practitioners, Religious leaders, celebrities, and philanthropist should encourage citizens and members to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into their daily meals – safe eating.
- Engage in Community Initiatives: Citizens should participate in or initiate community-driven efforts such as community gardens, farmers’ markets, and educational workshops. These initiatives foster a sense of shared responsibility for healthier food choices and provide opportunities for collective learning and action.
- Promote Home Gardening: We all should encourage individuals to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables at home. Home gardening allows for greater control over the use of pesticides and provides a source of fresh, organic produce.
- Read Food Labels: Be vigilant about reading food labels, especially for processed and packaged foods. Avoid products with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that may have potential carcinogenic properties.
- Lobby for Transparent GMO Approvals: Since the Nigerian government has remained adamant in the pursue of GMO, citizens should advocate for transparent processes in the approval of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). We must all demand accessible and comprehensible information about the long-term effects of GMOs on human health and the environment from the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
By incorporating these practical recommendations into our daily lives and advocating for systemic changes, we can collectively contribute to a healthier food environment, reduce cancer risks, and work towards “Closing the care gap” on World Cancer Day and beyond.
God help us all.
By Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu, Coordinator Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria (AAPN), ikennadonald@gmail.com
