According to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, claims 764 lives in Nigeria annually. He said this yesterday in Abuja while speaking at an oral cancer training program organized by the Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation (CFDF).
Dr Gloria Uzoigwe, the Head of the Dentistry Division of the Ministry was also in attendance. She noted that 1,146 new cases of oral cancer are recorded each year in Nigeria. She further stated that oral cancer remains cancer-related in Nigeria. this is partly because of delays in hospital reporting of cases. As well as the failure of healthcare workers to detect lesions early and make appropriate referrals.
The minister said the government will introduce a new oral hygiene policy in November. Executive Director, CFDF, Seidu Bello, said artificial intelligence helps in the early detection of oral cancers. It also aids detect potentially oral malignant disorders. It can also aid in predicting with more than 90% accuracy that someone could develop cancer in another 10 years.
He said the use of artificial intelligence for oral health was currently close to zero level in Nigeria. President, of the Nigerian Dental Association, Tope Adeyemi, represented by the Secretary-General of the association, Ukachi Nnawuihe, urged full integration of oral health in the primary healthcare services in the country to ensure easy access to oral healthcare.
Prof. Bukola Folashade Adeyemi, from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, identified the use of tobacco and alcohol, oral sex and intense use of foods prepared over naked flames such as suya, continuous infections in the mouth, as risk factors for oral cancers in Nigeria.
cc: Daily Trust Ng
