Move Against Cancer Africa (MACA), a volunteer-based NGO has called for increased awareness to ensure early detection and treatment of kidney cancer.
MACA champions campaigns and education on cancer-related issues across Africa,
Mr Caleb Egwuenu, Project Officer of MACA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2024 Work Kidney Cancer Day (WKCD).
NAN reports that every year, the World Kidney Cancer Day is observed in June to raise awareness about the disease, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, and this year’s WKCD is June 20.
According to Egwuenu, adequate awareness on cancer-related issues, including risks, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, and prevention, was important in combating the scourge.
‘To mark this year’s World Kidney Cancer Day, the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) and its affiliates, including Move Against Cancer Africa, have chosen a theme: ‘We need to listen
.’
‘It is an important reminder to listen to our body and educate ourselves about kidney cancer, its symptoms, the steps we can take to reduce our risk and support those affected by the disease.’
‘Note that there are no obvious symptoms of kidney cancer, but when there are symptoms, they can include blood in the urine, a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck.
‘Other possible symptoms include pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away, loss of appetite or loss of weight, consistent tiredness or no energy, persistent fever or excessive sweating , including at night.
‘This is why routine checkups are very crucial, and healthcare professionals are advised to listen to their patients.
‘Patients should have the right to be heard, and If you feel you are not being listened to, seek a second opinion for symptoms that do not improve’.
‘Patients with kidney cancer, are advised to listen to healthcare professionals who provide them with advice and support, and have open conve
rsations to ensure access to enough information for informed health decisions,’ he said.
According to Egwuenu, open communication between a patient and a healthcare provider is needed in handling cancer-related issues to ensure shared Decision-Making (SDM).
He added that early detection of kidney cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and, therefore, called for regular health check-ups and screenings, especially for individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or other risk factors.
He noted that adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, can reduce the risk of kidney cancer.
‘By raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment, we can strive towards better outcomes for individuals battling kidney cancer,’ he said.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria