BRECAN

A lot of things run through the mind of a person when a diagnosis of cancer is made.
Cancer thought by many people in our environment is a spiritual attack or punishment for wrong deeds. To some people it’s a mystery and to others, a death sentence.
Cancer simply put is when ‘good cells go bad’. It could also be as a result of when tissue/cells are in wrong location that is not in their normal sites.
A cancer cell on its own doesn’t become malignant unless it is repeatedly exposed to the environment like exposure to U.V light, cigarette smoke, infective organisms, toxins, chemicals etc referred to as carcinogens.
A normal cell has a nucleus (power house of the cell) which contains chromosomes that are made up of genes. Genes are made up of numerous double helical structures, DNA, that have on each strand materials which codes for our genetic makeup. When there’s a change in the arrangement of these substances, there is a change in genetic information therefore disrupting the production of the protein needed for cellular growth. With continuous exposure or presence of carcinogens in the body, there is abnormal cell growth and proliferation.
There are six hallmarks of a cancer cell:
• Generation of own growth signal freeing them from growth constraints normal cells have.

• Ignores signal not to grow like normal cells.

• Evading apoptosis (programmed cell death): Cancer cells have acquired the ability to stay alive unlike normal cells that receive message when their time is up.

• Limitless replication potential

• Tissue invasion/metastasis: The ultimate achievement of cancer cells. This is when cells are able to invade surrounding and distant tissue. It is responsible for 90% of all human cancer deaths.

• Sustained angiogenesis: Angiogenesis is the process by which blood vessels are formed. Cancer cells can trigger this process which allows the tumour sustain itself.

These hallmarks have created pathways for cancer treatment.

February 4 is World Cancer Day. This year’s theme ” Cancer can be prevented too” focusing on how risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures:
1. Stop use of tobacco and avoid exposure to second hand smoke
2. Limit alcohol consumption
3. Avoid excessive sun exposure
4. Maintain a healthy weight through eating healthy foods and exercising regularly
5. Protect against cancer causing infections
BRECAN marks the day at Loyola College Ibadan.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the Founder/President,BRECAN,is among international cancer advocates invited by Lance Armstrong Foundation to participate in the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit taking place August 24-26 2009 in Dublin, Ireland.

The BRECAN Founder/President, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is among international cancer advocates invited by the Lance Armstrong Foundation to participate in the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit which will take place August 24-26, 2009 in Dublin, Ireland. The Summit will make the case for acting urgently to address the global cancer burden and introduce new commitment to cancer control by bringing together world leaders, corporations, non-governmental organisations and advocates in an unprecedented show of solidarity. More than 200 organisations and individuals making extraordinaty commitments are being invited to attend the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other advocates, network, gain media exposure and access tools and resources.

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Welcome and enjoy.