SPDF officers learn how to lower risk of getting cancer |07 February 2014

Officers of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) have learned more on cancer and the various ways to lower their risks of getting the disease.

This was through an informative talk held yesterday at the SPDF military academy organised by the Cancer Concern Association.

The talk, delivered by Dr Edwige Banane from the surgical department at the Seychelles Hospital, was one of the activities to mark this year’s Cancer Day celebrated on February 4 under the theme ‘Dispel the Myths’.

Firstly, Dr Banane presented the myths which are associated with cancer before talking about the reasons why it is important to talk about this disease.

The officers have also learned more on the five most common types of cancer in both men and women.

Lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and esophageal cancers are the most common types in men.

For women, breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical cancers are the one that are more common.

While giving details on the different types of cancer, Dr Banane showed those present pictures of the various organs which are affected by the disease.

She also gave them information on the causes of each type of cancer and the risk factors.

Risk factors are the things that increase a person’s chance of getting cancer. These can include smoking, lack of exercise, obesity and air pollution.

Other presentations were on the symptoms of the various types of cancer and on the eight ways to lower the risk of getting the disease.