Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year.

Types of Cancer

There are over 100 different types of cancer, each with its unique characteristics and treatment options. Some of the most common types of cancer include:

1. Carcinomas: These are cancers that arise from epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the surfaces of organs and glands. Examples of carcinomas include breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
2. Sarcomas: These are cancers that arise from connective tissue cells, such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells. Examples of sarcomas include osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and soft tissue sarcoma.
3. Leukemias: These are cancers that arise from blood cells. Examples of leukemias include acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
4. Lymphomas: These are cancers that arise from immune cells called lymphocytes. Examples of lymphomas include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes and Risk Factors

Cancer is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known risk factors for cancer include:

1. Tobacco use: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths worldwide.
2. Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer.
3. Radiation exposure: Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
4. Genetics: Some cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and the location of the tumor. Some common symptoms of cancer include:

1. Unexplained weight loss
2. Fatigue
3. Pain or discomfort
4. Changes in appetite or digestion
5. Coughing or difficulty breathing

Cancer is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, and laboratory tests, such as blood tests and biopsies.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for cancer depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the overall health of the patient. Some common treatment options for cancer include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove tumors and affected tissues.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
3. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
4. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
5. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression.

Prevention and Early Detection

While there is no surefire way to prevent cancer, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Don’t smoke: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths worldwide.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of several types of cancer.
4. Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of several types of cancer.
5. Get screened: Regular cancer screening can help detect cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable.

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for cancer, there are several treatment options available, and early detection and prevention can significantly improve outcomes. By understanding the causes and risk factors for cancer, as well as the symptoms and treatment options, you can take steps to reduce your risk and stay healthy.

The African Union’s health monitoring body revealed on Thursday that it has approved an mpox test from Morocco, calling it a “significant achievement” in the ongoing battle against the outbreak across Africa.

This announcement follows three months since the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, the CDC confirmed its endorsement of what it described as the first locally produced real-time PCR test for mpox, developed in Morocco.

It stated that the test rapidly identifies pathogen DNA in blood, saliva, or tissue, and that its approval by the CDC emphasized its “reliability and efficacy”.

“This major milestone aligns with the African Union’s continental initiative to strengthen the self-sufficiency of African public health systems, enhancing the continent’s capacity for disease preparedness and response.”

In the previous month, the World Health Organization authorized the Alinity m MPXV assay as the first diagnostic test for mpox.

Developed by Abbott Molecular Inc., this test allows for the identification of the mpox virus in samples collected from human lesions.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 50,000 cases of mpox and approximately 1,100 fatalities have been reported across Africa. Central Africa is responsible for over 85 percent of the cases and nearly all of the deaths.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection primarily spread to humans from infected animals, though it can also be transmitted between people through close contact.

The disease leads to symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and large, boil-like skin sores, and it can be fatal.

In mid-August, both the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency.

Patients and their relatives have protested the unavailability of water and electricity at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

News media, Oyo Affairs disclosed this on Monday in a post it shared on its official X account.

“Patients and some of their families are protesting the unavailability of water and electricity after the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) disconnected UCH’s power for 17 days,” the post read.

According to the statement, the power outage has affected vital hospital operations like delays in test results and surgeries, among others.

The management of UCH has, according to Oyo Affairs, said that the hospital falls under the “Band A” electricity tariff structure, which requires them to pay N80 million monthly.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said its operatives have seized counterfeit wines worth ₦41.2 million in Nasarawa State.

NAFDAC confirmed the seizure in a statement on Monday on its official X account after its officers conducted a major raid on wine shops in Mararaba Market and the New Nyanya and Masaka areas of Nasarawa State.

“The operation targeted counterfeit and adulterated wines and spirits, resulting in the seizure of products valued at over ₦41.2 million,” the agency said.

NAFDAC said its Investigation & Enforcement team is actively investigating the importers or manufacturers behind these counterfeit drinks.

The agency has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to its nearest office for immediate action.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that its operatives seized N5 million worth of counterfeit agrochemical products and goods in Bauchi State. 

NAFDAC confirmed the seizure of the goods on Sunday morning in a statement where it said the operation took place across multiple locations within the Bauchi metropolis.

The successful operation led to the sealing of three facilities suspected of distributing the fake product, known as “Patriarc.” 

According to the statement, three owners were arrested and security authorities are now seeking the importer or manufacturer behind the counterfeit goods.

NAFDAC credited intelligence reports for guiding the successful raid which targeted dealers distributing unregulated agrochemicals in the area. 

The agency further spoke about the importance of purchasing products from reputable sources to avoid health and environmental hazards. 

The seized product, Patriarc, is a well-known agricultural pesticide and fertilizer used to boost crop yields and protect plants from pests.

The product is a broad-spectrum pesticide and fertiliser combination, specifically formulated to promote healthy plant growth and development. 

It’s unique formula combines insecticides to control pests, fungicides to prevent diseases, macronutrients (NPK) for plant growth, and micronutrients for enhanced plant health

Meanwhile NAFDAC has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities to their offices, assuring quick action to uphold consumer safety.

“The agency underscores the importance of purchasing regulated products from genuine sources to prevent health and safety risks,” the statement read.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office to ensure swift regulatory action.”

The UK Health Security Agency has announced two more instances of Clade Ib Mpox, raising the nationwide total to three cases.

These recent infections have been linked to individuals living with the original case, highlighting the virus’s ability to spread quickly in settings with close contact.

According to a statement released late Monday night and accessed from the UKHSA website on Tuesday, both patients are currently under specialized treatment at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Despite these occurrences, health authorities assert that the overall risk to the broader UK population is still considered low.

Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, Prof. Susan Hopkins, addressed the situation, stating, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. The overall risk to the UK population remains low.”

The agency has verified that thorough measures have been implemented, ensuring that all individuals who were in close contact with the confirmed cases are being tracked and observed.

“We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread,” added Hopkins.

Individuals are being provided with testing and vaccinations, along with guidance on essential care if symptoms arise.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting praised the healthcare response, remarking, “I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patients affected. The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low, and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.”

Streeting confirmed that the UK government is obtaining more vaccines and providing healthcare providers with the necessary resources and guidance to respond effectively.

Meanwhile, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, Steve Russell, reiterated the preparedness of health services: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox. Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected. If required, the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll-out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.”

This follows the initial identification of Clade Ib mpox in the UK on October 30, 2024, representing the first occurrence of this variant in the nation.

The initial case involves a patient who had recently visited African nations with ongoing outbreaks and is currently receiving care at the High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit at the Royal Free Hospital.

“It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus,” noted Hopkins.

“This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad. We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.”

UKHSA’s technical briefings and collaboration with international health organizations are integral components of a continuous approach to track and manage the outbreak.

As the public awaits further updates, health authorities urge vigilance. “While the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek medical guidance if symptoms, such as a rash or fever, appear,” emphasised Russell.

The statement indicates that the UKHSA’s active approach persists as they release technical updates and evaluate containment measures to safeguard the public during this changing scenario.