Dietician encourages Nigerians to eat more fruits, vegetables to prevent colon cancer
On Wednesday, October 16, in Abeokuta, dietician Esther Oyewole shared an important message: adding more fruits and vegetables to our diets can help protect against colon cancer.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Ogun chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Oyewole, who works at the Federal Medical Centre, highlighted the seriousness of colon cancer. She noted that in Nigeria, about 66 out of every 100,000 people are affected by this disease.
“It’s about eating healthy, especially for most of us who are 40 years and above,” she said. “Colon cancer affects the colon, which is part of the digestive system. To prevent this, we need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they help with bowel movements and keep things flowing smoothly.”
Oyewole also encouraged everyone to drink enough water and to have regular health check-ups, even when times are tough. She explained that signs of colon cancer can include bleeding, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
During the meeting, former National President of NITP, Mr. Waheed Kadiri, thanked Oyewole for her informative lecture. He pointed out that busy schedules can lead town planners to neglect their diets.
Mr. Adefela Shogbesan, the state NITP chairman, echoed this concern, noting that while town planners work hard, they often forget to prioritize their health. This is why the health talk and medical screening were organized.
As part of the event, over 150 members of the Ogun NITP received screenings for eye problems and other health issues.
