Guardian

As at 21st Century, it still baffles many people that in spite of the technological breakthroughs across the world (even in the medical profession), Cancer still kills over a million people yearly. In this online interview with The Guardian, Dr. Okon Imoh (PhD), a US-based medical research expert, with specialty in cancer of the ovary, said accurate dissemination of fact-laced and scientific-proven information is key to the effective management of the disease. He spoke with BANKOLE SHAKIRUDEEN ADESHINA.

His Background

Imoh holds a B.Sc degree in Biochemistry from the University of Uyo and a M.Sc in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Westminster, London. After a brief sojourn at a pharmaceutical company in the UK, he went on to acquire his PhD in Research and Development from the Imperial College London. He is married with wife, Miriam, son, Jesse-Richards and daughter, Ariella.

Imoh was born in Zaria, Northern Nigeria to  parents who were both former staff of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

He attended ABU staff school before his parents’ relocation to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, where he attended the University of Port-Harcourt Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS).

“So really, all my life has been spent within the university environment. I obtained a bachelors’ degree in Biochemistry from the University of Uyo, and moved to the United Kingdom.

“I worked for a pharmaceutical company in Essex, England for three years before proceeding to Imperial College London for my Ph.D  in ovarian cancer. Upon graduation, I moved to a research position at an American University.

I am engaged in several aspects of cancer research, including tumor biology, drug resistance, and the identification of novel gene and drug-able targets. I am married with two kids,” he added.

As a medical research expert, how deeply have you searched for the solution(s) to cancer?

First of all, I am a Cancer scientist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in Oklahoma, United States of America. Specifically, my area of concentration is Cancer of the Ovary, with depth on drug resistance, cancer metabolism and vascular biology of tumors.

My line of research focuses on the identification and characterization of new gene targets that will enable early cancer detection, prediction and treatment outcomes. Early detection will increase the chance of a complete cure for early-stage cancers, while prediction of disease pattern will increase the chances of survival for advanced disease. Thus, early cancer diagnosis and profiling will directly influence and impact treatment options and effective control.

Besides, I have recently written a book titled “Winning the Fight against Cancer: a Layman’s Guide”. The book is out on Kindle at the end of this month (last month), with print edition following shortly after.

As a nation, we recognize that cancer is a major health problem that afflicts several families worldwide. Cancer rates are rapidly growing in Nigeria and the African Continent. However, very basic, fundamental information about the disease is lacking in the wider community.

Based on real-life accounts and contributions from doctors, nurses, cancer researchers and cancer survivors/family-members, I have provided answers to address and provide critical information on the disease.

What prompted you to write the book?

Given the high incidence of in Nigeria and other African countries, the intuitive action to take was chronicle a factual and accurate book about cancer. The goal was to provide fundamental information and drive awareness about the disease. It is also to dispel common misconceptions as to its causes, treatment and management.

How poor do you think the management of cancer would be, especially in Nigeria, in the absence of such a work?

The major problem with cancer, especially in Nigeria, is a total lack of awareness. Surprisingly, it is not uncommon even among nurses and medical personnel to find such gap in knowledge about cancer. To many, cancer is a death sentence with no cure. To others, it is a “white man’s” disease or mainly found among the elderly. All these assumptions are wrong, and cancer or the risk of the disease can indeed be prevented. This is the critical and most important step.

Does the book provide information on proactive and effective management of the disease? Is it helpful to the layman?

The book is a very useful guide and resource. It begins by sharing real-life experiences of cancer victims and their family members. It then goes on to explain in very simple, easy-to-grasp manner what exactly cancer is and means. The book further presents the numerous factors responsible for the increasing cancer rates and practical solutions. It should be handy for everyone, including doctors, nurses, medical students and scientists.

From your research, what do you think is responsible for poor management of cancer in Nigeria?

Unlike malaria that can be straightforward to treat or other diseases for which vaccines are available, cancer requires a long-term approach. The first step requires screening programmes and this is pertinent for at-risk population, that is, people with a family history of the disease or workers exposed to potential environmental hazards or agents that can promote the disease. Screening ensures detection of the disease at the very early stages, which is when the chance of a cure is almost 100%. Advanced disease becomes difficult and very expensive to tackle, with no guarantees as to the eventual outcome. So, awareness and access to screening programmes should be a priority.

Do you think medical experts can do better than what they are doing at the moment?

A lot of action is definitely required both within and without the medical community. It is still uncertain how many well-trained and equipped oncologists (cancer doctors) are available in the country. For a country of over 150 million people, there is a lot of work to do.

What is the role of government in this situation?

In addition to awareness campaigns, the Government needs to provide access to affordable screening programmes. Health policy makers, especially at the Federal and State ministries need to become aware of the alarming rates of cancer frequency in the country and begin to formulate strategic plans and programmes on dealing with it. The public has a role to play, as do medical professionals. Documentation of cancer cases, exact types, the stage, age, sex at diagnosis, and other related information should be well- documented. This will ensure we can track the frequency of the disease in a reliable and accurate manner and provide information on treatment types and outcomes.

How can we reduce the incidence of cancer to the barest minimum?

Prevention is key and requires a well-informed people. Here beyond a genetic predisposition to the disease, other factors, like lifestyle (e.g. smoking, certain diets) and/or environmental elements can be controlled. Next, screening programmes are imperative to enable early disease detection and management.