Ethiopia hosts various events for oral cancer awareness in November, the global awareness month. Nurse Arefayene Solomon from Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital shared with Fana Digital about losing her mother to the disease. She stressed the importance of early screening and awareness.
Addis Ababa, Hidar 26, 2018 (EC) – November is Oral Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. In Ethiopia, various events are organized this month to raise awareness about cancer.
Nurse Arefayene Solomon, working at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, told Fana Digital that oral cancer is a growing ailment affecting many people. In her experience, after her mother's passing, close family generations and numerous patients seeking treatment have faced similar devastating losses. “I have lost my mother who raised me,” she said.
Describing the disease's fatality, she emphasized that early screening practices are crucial. Everyone, especially women, should monitor their salt intake at home and visit doctors as often as possible. “Symptoms around us cause our illnesses, especially to prevent for our loved ones, we must protect ourselves,” she stated.
She noted that the risk of oral cancer increases by 50 percent if there is a hereditary factor. Beyond that, she urged people to focus on prevention before the disease strikes. Women should seek medical help promptly if they notice changes in their throat or hoarseness. She recommended avoiding smoking for a specified number of hours, drinking two liters of water daily, not eating fried or unprotected foods, and undergoing an annual checkup at medical facilities.