Dear Editor,
First I wish to applaud Mr Annan Boodram for his excellent and timely letter on alcohol and some of its major effects on this society, and the issue of alcohol in our culture.
Mr Nowrang Persaud thankfully has acknowledged the contribution of alcohol to domestic violence, road traffic accidents and suicide, but that is 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, namely, heroin, crack cocaine, tobacco, diazepam and alcohol. It also shrinks the brain of chronic alcoholics 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, which include head and neck, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectal and breast cancer ‒ the problems of alcohol are immense. These include heart disease, heart failure, rhythm disturbance, stroke, pancreatitis acute and chronic liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer, which has 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.
The Guyana Cancer Prevention Society (GCPS) is pleased to announce that one of its main objectives is to increase public awareness of the fact that cancer poses one of the greatest public health threats of the 21st century. More than 80-90% of all cancers are preventable, yet more than 80% of all cancers present with advanced stages 3-4 and the patients sometimes live six months to a year if they have the best standard of care.
In 2014 some 14 million people globally were diagnosed with cancer and there were 8.2 million deaths. By 2030 some 22 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and there will be more than 14 million deaths, but the tragedy is that some 65% of all cancers will occur in low and middle income countries like Guyana. This alarming rate of increase in new cancer cases and the 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 to provide screening for early detection in order to cure cancer.
Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of cancer and is responsible for more than 70% of all cancer deaths. Every year tens of millions people start smoking. The GCPS will work with the Ministry of 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 is addictive. I am not certain how many people adhere to the mantra ‘drink responsibly ‒ two drinks only.’ 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 are other preventable causes 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 safe sex; the most frequent sexually transmitted viral infection is the HPV Human Papilloma Virus which can cause several cancers, the most well-known of which is cervical cancer. This is preventable with the HPV vaccine and screening for early detection and appropriate treatment as required. Again we will work with the Ministry of Public Health and all organizations to ensure that no woman need die from this preventable and curable cancer.
For those who do not understand or appreciate the importance of a candlelight vigil, it is simply to raise awareness which is critical to bringing 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 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.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Niamatali
President
Guyana Cancer Prevention Society
