A professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Ibadan, Victor Ifeolu Akinmoladun, has identified pro-inflammatory diets as major contributors to oral cancer. These include sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and fried foods.
Professor Akinmoladun made this revelation while delivering the 582nd inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan titled, "The Scalpel and the Laboratory: Collaboration Against the Lawless."
Cancer: A Major Global Health Challenge
During his presentation, the professor emphasized that cancer represents a significant societal, public health, and socioeconomic problem in the 21st century. According to him, cancer is responsible for three in ten global premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among individuals aged 30 to 69 years.
"Cancer is responsible for almost one in six of all deaths and one in four deaths from NCDs worldwide," Akinmoladun stated. He further noted that head and neck cancer (HNC) ranks between the 6th and 10th most common cancers globally.
The Inflammation-Cancer Connection
The professor described the relationship between inflammation and cancer as "an agreement between two individuals or groups of persons to achieve an unlawful or illegal and harmful goal, often with fatal consequences."
"Many cancers are known to be induced by chronic inflammation, while many more are sustained by it," he explained. "Soluble and cellular inflammatory mediators such as cytokines are responsible for tumor initiation and associated with progression in some cancer cases including head and neck cancers."
Protective Dietary Factors
On a positive note, Professor Akinmoladun affirmed that higher consumption of vegetables and fruits has protective effects against cancers of the stomach, esophagus, lung, oral cavity, pharynx, and colon.
He emphasized the importance of micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and selenium, along with antioxidants and vitamins, which help prevent DNA damage caused by free radicals and maintain the integrity of mucosal surfaces.
Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
The professor recommended supplements rich in antioxidants and single-carbon metabolism vitamins as preventive measures. He also stressed the importance of lifestyle changes, particularly avoiding alcohol and tobacco use.
Akinmoladun noted that while cancer is not exactly the direct consequence of a failed or compromised immune system, these factors can significantly contribute to cancer development. He added that understanding these compromises forms the basis for immunotherapy against cancers.
The professor also highlighted the challenges in obtaining accurate data on the burden of oral cancer in Nigeria, stating that "figures on the burden of the disease are difficult to obtain in Nigeria, data on survival in oral cancer is also hardly available."
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