Why are so many Vincentians dying from cancer?

Dr Rosmond Adams, MD, MSc, FRSPH

When I served as the Focal Point for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in St Vincent and the Grenadines a few years back, I was alarmed by the mortality (deaths) caused by cancers in this small country. Over a five-year period 2009 – 2013, malignant neoplasm (cancer) was the leading cause of death.

During my stint as the national epidemiologist, I was able to understand why cancer took a prominent position among the top 10 causes of death in the country. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (WHO STEPS Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors) that was conducted in 2013-2014 clearly provided the explanation. The link between the cancer figures and the associated risk factors for NCDs was clear. Particularly, the modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, excessive use of alcohol, lack of physical activity and improper diet.

The results of the survey showed that Vincentians were sitting on an epidemiological time bomb waiting to explode. I am sure that some may argue that it has already exploded. The survey showed that more and more young people were taking up smoking at a younger age. Physical activity was at a low, while the intake of fruits and vegetables were way below the World Health Organization recommended values. This is indeed alarming, as they all provide a perfect recipe for the surge in non-communicable diseases, including cancers.

Developing countries like St Vincent and the Grenadines have in the past battled with communicable diseases. However, due to improved access to health care and sanitation, these diseases have reduced. Now with a change in lifestyle, the diseases once referred to as diseases of the affluent are now affecting our people.

Almost every day someone dies from cancer. Cancer is no longer a strange disease.

It also alarming that our young people are succumbing to cancer. This is very sad, as cancer is affecting them in their productive years. We have become a nation of people who move less on our feet. The results from the survey showed that physical activity is at a low and our people are becoming more and more obese. Indeed, obesity is clearly linked to cancer.

We are also relying on fast processed food. The World Health Organization said that there is clear link between processed foods and cancer and as such, we must reduce the consumption of these foods and increase fruit and vegetables in our diet.

It is time for us to start the fight against cancer and other non-communicable diseases. The fight must start with us as individuals and must extend to the community and the entire country. The Ministry of Health must develop a comprehensive programme for cancer. There must be a plan of action to tackle cancer. Screening programmes must be available for the major types of cancers in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Health promotion must be beefed up and must go into every community and school to let them understand the disease and to avoid these risk factors. Support programmes must be put in place to encourage people to eat healthy and to exercise. Obesity, including childhood obesity, must be eliminated. Legislation is needed to control the importation of processed food and strict tobacco control measures are needed to protect our youths.

We need to take a grip on the epidemic of non-communicable diseases that is plaguing the nation before it spirals out of control. The burden of these diseases is far-reaching.

Dr Rosmond Adams, MD is a medical doctor and a public health specialist with training in bioethics and ethical issues in medicine, the life sciences and research. He is the head of Health Information, Communicable Disease and Emergency Response at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). He is also a member of the World Health Organization Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of NCDs.