Lifestyles and cancer risk: the case of Kwara State, Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Lifestyles and cancer risk: the case of Kwara State, Nigeria
Editor:	Oluwatoyin Korter, Grace
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	30
Issue:	2
Pages:	51-70
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	cancer preventive medicine health education
Abstract:	This study investigates public awareness of cancer risk factors and suggests interventions aiming at behavioural change. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 117 pupils, students and teachers in selected primary and secondary schools in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara state, Nigeria. The focus was on risk factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human papillomavirus, and exposure to ionizing radiation and environmental pollutants. Poor awareness about risk factors associated with cancer was observed. The author argues that public health professionals, policy makers, media, stakeholders and the public should act to ensure everyone has the most up-to-date information on how to minimise the risk of developing the disease. Anticancer clubs and societies should be formed in primary and secondary schools, with the single purpose of creating awareness of cancer risk factors through poems, drama, songs, slogans, posters, stickers and pictures. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]