Diet change blamed for more colorectal cancer cases in Zambia

Zambia is expected to have more cases of colorectal cancer because of a change in diet, Yakub Mulla, dean professor of University of Zambia School of Medicine was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

The Post quoted Mulla as saying here, "We have seen an increase of colorectal cases in Zambia as with appendix which is now becoming a problem because of the food people eat. In the past, it wasn't very common to see cases of appendix but now we receive a lot of these cases."

Mulla told a symposium on colorectal surgery that colorectal cancer is now becoming common in the country because people are now eating more Westernized food.

He was quoted by the local newspaper as saying that among urban dwellers in the country who comprise about half of the total population in Zambia, there have been considerable changes in their lifestyle, he said.

"These have increased exposure to risk factors for colorectal cancer, thereby favoring a rise in incidence. There have been westernization of diet, increases in smoking practice particularly among men, in alcohol consumption and a reduction in physical activity," he said.

Mulla said dietary risk factors for colorectal cancer include low intakes of fiber, calcium and vitamin D. The treatment is difficult because of inadequate facilities.

"Affordable scan, colonoscopies, staling devices and high- quality radiotherapy are required and surgeons need to improve their knowledge and skills in colorectal cancer surgery, " he said.

Source: Xinhua