Doctor Explains Silent Growth of Cancer After Alexx Ekubo's Passing
The death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has sparked renewed discussions about the often-silent progression of cancer and the critical importance of early detection. Dr Alex Wibberley, an emergency medicine physician with nearly a decade of experience, has shed light on how cancer develops over time and why symptoms frequently emerge only when the disease is advanced, limiting treatment options.
How Cancer Develops
Cancer begins when the body's normal mechanisms for regulating cell growth and repair malfunction due to DNA damage. A single abnormal cell can multiply into millions of malignant cells. Dr Wibberley explained that cancer is typically a slow biological process, unfolding over years rather than weeks. It can take ten to fifteen years from the initial mutation to the formation of a detectable tumour.
Why Symptoms Appear Late
Symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or lumps only become apparent when the tumour can no longer be accommodated silently within the body. Dr Wibberley noted: "Until the tumour is large enough or positioned in exactly the right place to mechanically interfere with something... there may genuinely be nothing to feel." Internal organs like the liver can double in size before symptoms are noticed. Other signs, including unexplained weight loss and fatigue, arise from the cancer's impact on the body's overall physiology. The key is whether symptoms persist, worsen, or represent a clear change from an individual's normal baseline.
Importance of Cancer Screening
Because cancer can grow silently for many years, regular screening is vital. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. For instance, cervical cancer screening has reduced incidence rates by seventy percent since its introduction. Mammograms help detect breast cancer early, while PSA testing is recommended for prostate cancer in high-risk groups. While screening does not guarantee prevention, it shifts diagnosis to earlier stages, enhancing the chances of successful treatment.
Symptoms That Require a Doctor's Visit
Dr Wibberley advises: "A symptom that is new, represents a clear change from your personal normal baseline, and persists for more than a couple of weeks without a clear explanation warrants a doctor's appointment." Symptoms to monitor include unexplained bleeding in urine, stool, or phlegm that does not resolve; new lumps or swelling that persist beyond a few weeks; persistent pain that does not improve; and symptoms that progressively worsen. He emphasized that none of these individually confirm cancer, but all warrant medical consultation rather than self-diagnosis.
Cancer does not appear overnight. The difference between good and poor outcomes often hinges on the stage at which the disease is discovered. Alexx Ekubo's death serves as a poignant reminder of why awareness, vigilance, and screening are essential in the fight against cancer.
