This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Cancer's Devastating Toll on Humanity ¶
August 7, 2019
Cancer, a disease that has been plaguing humanity for centuries, has taken a devastating toll on Kenyans and people worldwide. The disease, which was first described by the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, has caused havoc to families and left a trail of agony and bewilderment.
Hippocrates, widely considered the world's 'Father of Medicine,' used the terms 'carcinos' and 'carcinoma' to describe non-ulcer forming and ulcer-forming tumours in the body. The disease is caused by genetic changes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.
According to research studies, the basic cause of sporadic (non-familial) cancers is DNA damage and genomic (genes) instability. However, some scientists believe that a minority of cancerous diseases result from inherited genetic mutations in the body system.
Despite the devastating impact of cancer, there is still hope for a cure. Some scientists have argued that cannabis sativa (bhang) can be the antidote to the disease when converted into medicinal use. In fact, several countries have already legalised the medical use of cannabis sativa, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, and many others.
As a country, we need to explore this theory and work aggressively with the World Health Organisation to fight this menace. We also need to declare cancer a national disaster and take concrete steps to address the issue. Our MPs must come to their senses when debating on the Bill to legalise bhang for medicinal use.
