Dear Editor,
FIRST, I wish to applaud Mr. Annand Boodram for his excellent and timely article on alcohol and some of its major effects on this society, and the issue of alcohol in our culture.Mr. Nowrong Persaud has thankfully acknowledged the impact of alcohol on domestic violence, road traffic accidents, and suicide; but those are only the tip of the iceberg. Along with my colleagues in the medical profession, we are left to deal with the devastating effects of alcohol on a daily basis.
Alcohol is among the five most addictive substances of abuse: heroin, crack cocaine, tobacco, diazepam and alcohol. Alcohol also shrinks the brain of its chronic users, and some experts feel it may be one reason why some don’t understand the implications of drinking on an industrial scale.
Alcohol is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality; it is responsible for seven types of cancer and more than 600,000 deaths globally every year. The cancers include those of the head & neck, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast. The problems of alcohol are immense. They include heart disease, heart failure, rhythm disturbance, stroke, pancreatitis, acute and chronic liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer, which each have a dismal prognosis. No diabetic should drink alcohol; it is neurotoxic and damages the nerves.
The full scope of the effects of alcohol cannot be addressed in this letter. Towards this end, the Guyana Cancer Prevention Society is pleased to announce that one of its main objectives is to increase public awareness of cancer -– that it can pose one of the greatest public health threats of the 21 century. More than 80%/90% of all cancers are preventable, and more than 80% of all cancer patients with advanced stage 3 or 4 cancer can live for six months to one year if they have the best standard of care.
Some 14 million people globally were diagnosed with cancer in 2014, and 8.2 million deaths were recorded. It is estimated that by 2030, some 22 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, and there will be more than 14 million deaths.
The tragedy is that some 65% of all cancers will occur in low & middle-income countries like Guyana. This alarming rate of increase in new cancer cases and number of deaths tell a clear story: we are failing to control cancer, and carrying on business as usual is unthinkable.
The cost to the global economy by 2020 will exceed US$1.2 trillion. Quite clearly, we cannot spend our way out of this crisis. The GCPS mission is to educate the public and change the arc of literacy on cancer. We recognize that the following are the main causes of cancer, and our mission is to: PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE CANCERS and PROVIDE SCREENING FOR EARLY DETECTION, TO CURE CANCER.
Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of cancer, and it is responsible for more than 70% of all cancer deaths. Every year, tens of millions of people start smoking. The GCPS will work with the Ministry of Public Health and support the introduction of the strongest legislation to curb tobacco use and prevent more tobacco-related cancer deaths.
Alcohol is the second most preventable cause of cancer; and, like tobacco, it is addictive. I am not certain how many people adhere to the mantra “drink responsibly – two drinks only”, but too many people make poor choices and lack discipline. “Two drinks only? That is just to get us started!” is what we hear too often.
OBESITY and a LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY is another preventable cause of cancer. Too many calories, sugar salt and fat fuel the obesity epidemic.
Sexually-transmitted viral infections cause five major cancers, all of which are preventable. Remember: practice safe sex – the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infection is the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) which causes several cancers, the most well-known being cervical cancer – which is Preventable with the HPV vaccine, screening for early detection, and appropriate treatment as required. HIV aids 4 cancers, Hepatitis B&C, HPV and HTLV1.
Again, we will work with the MoPH and all organizations to ensure that no woman dies from this preventable and curable cancer.
For those who do not understand or appreciate the importance of a candle light vigil, it is simply to raise AWARENESS, which is critical to bring as many people as possible to partner with us to address this issue. It is an opportunity to network and share information on the terrible consequences of alcohol, and find novel and durable solutions to the problem.
Candlelight vigils are held globally in times of national tragedy and great loss. For those who are well informed about the consequences of alcohol and are not in denial, this is a tragedy that will no longer be accepted. The GCPS will be pleased to attend the candlelight vigil because we believe that it is better to light a candle than lament the darkness.
We, as a nation, can — and must — do better; together, we can all make a difference.
It is time for action.
CARL NIAMATALI
President: Guyana Cancer Prevention Society
guyanacancerpreventionsociety1@yahoo.com