This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
As cancer rates surge in Kenya, as they have globally, it's essential to shed light on the causes of this devastating disease. Despite the importance of understanding cancer, the public often remains in the dark, misled by misinformation and manipulated by industry interests.
One of the earliest and most significant battles over cancer risks was fought over smoking. In the 1950s, tobacco companies vehemently denied the link between their product and cancer, only to eventually concede to the overwhelming medical evidence.
However, in recent decades, the industry's resistance has become more subtle. Take parabens, a common preservative in personal care and beauty products. While parabens stop bacteria from forming in deodorants and face creams, thereby extending their shelf life, they also accelerate the growth of breast cancer cells.
Despite this proven fact, the European Union banned five types of parabens years ago. Yet, online information often presents the role of parabens in cancer as a controversy, with some arguing that they may increase the risk of breast cancer rather than just accelerating its progression.
However, this distinction is largely irrelevant to the public. Once we know that parabens accelerate breast cancer, few women would choose to use face cream and deodorant with parabens in them. Moreover, the surge in breast cancer in Kenya is particularly alarming, with urban young women being the biggest victims.
Interestingly, the data reveals that breast cancer is predominantly an urban issue, rather than a rural one. This ties in with the evidence on the role of parabens in cosmetics. Urban living also exposes us to another significant cancer driver: air pollution. Nairobi's air quality is particularly hazardous, breaking all safe levels set by the World Health Organisation.
While mitigating against air pollution is challenging, there are other cancer agents that we can control. Sugar, for instance, is a proven fuel for cancerous cell growth. Once a patient presents with cancer, doctors typically advise them to stop consuming sugary foods.
Furthermore, sugar-free drinks, such as those containing aspartame, have been shown to cause cancer in animals. While the industry argues that the doses used in these studies were excessive, the risk cannot be entirely dismissed.
Ultimately, the more we avoid proven cancer causes and accelerators by regulating our air quality and making informed choices about what we put on our skin and eat, the more risk we eliminate. It's a simple yet crucial step towards a healthier future.
