By Davis Buyondo
Kampala- Uganda
Cancer, a complex and multifaceted disease, has for decades been a global health concern. Its far-reaching impact can be felt in various parts of the world, including Uganda, where it has inflicted significant suffering and challenges on individuals and communities.
In the face of this frightening disease, one shocking statistic has emerged, grabbing the attention of people across the nation. Every year, around 33,000 people in Uganda are diagnosed with this disease, according to Uganda Cancer Institute-UCI.
Tragically, only a fraction of just 7,400 individuals, are fortunate enough to access the much-needed care provided by the Institute and its branches across the country.
The issue becomes even more significant as we delve into the potential factors behind cancer, revealing a concerning link to the common item, ‘polythene bags’.
Health and environmental activists have long united with a goal to persuade the government to enforce a ban on single-use polythene, aiming to break the cycle of cancer risk and protect the health of all Ugandans.
This rallying call emphasises the urgency and importance of taking action to safeguard both the environment and the well-being of the population.
Amidst the pressing healthcare challenges, the insidious connection between polythene bags and cancer has emerged as a topic of profound concern. It is no secret that the widespread use of polythene bags has flooded every facet of Ugandan society.
From food vendors packaging meals to individuals carrying their groceries, these plastic carriers have become an integral part of everyday life.
Yet, beneath the convenience lies a lurking danger, a potential risk of developing cancer due to the hazardous chemicals present in these polythenes.
UCI Warning
Dr. Alfred Jatho, an experienced Oncologist from Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), has diagnosed, treated, and managed cancer, drawing upon his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of oncology, which focuses on understanding various forms of cancer.
According to Jatho, there is ongoing research conducted worldwide to explore the potential link between certain chemicals found in polythene bags and their suspected role in causing cancer.
In recent years, he explains, similar studies have been undertaken in Africa, including Uganda, to investigate polythene and other substances that are believed to be potential cancer-causing agents.
“Cancer is a complex issue with multiple risk factors that interact, meaning that increased exposure to these factors can elevate the risk of developing cancer,” he explains.
However, he highlights, it is currently challenging to determine whether a particular type of cancer in an individual is caused by chemical exposure, polythene bags, or other factors. A single type of cancer can have numerous risk factors.
Polythene, locally known as “Kaveera”, is manufactured using significant chemicals that serve as its base, resulting in polythene bags of various colours, including colourless, black, and green.
According to Jatho, some of these chemicals, such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Cobalt (Co), have been classified as possible human carcinogens (things that can cause cancer).
“Therefore, consuming food, tea, porridge, or water containing elevated levels of these elements over a prolonged period increases the risk of developing cancer,” he clarifies.
Traditionally, people used banana leaves for cooking, but due to the impact of climate change on agriculture, banana leaves have become scarce and expensive, while polythene bags are much cheaper and accessible from anywhere.
Still, numerous studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have demonstrated that when polythene bags are heated, the chemicals they contain can leach into the food. One such study was conducted in Uganda by the Department of Food Science and Technology at Makerere University.
Dr. Jatho explains that the risk of a one-time exposure to these chemicals is not significantly high. However, the problem escalates when people regularly consume food cooked in polythene bags, as the chemicals accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of various cancers and other chronic diseases.
During cancer awareness outreach programs, UCI emphasises the factors that can contribute to an individual’s increased cancer risk, including the use of polythene bags for cooking and warming food.
“We always advise against covering food and tea with polythene bags, urging people to return to traditional methods using banana leaves or find alternative pan lids for covering food while cooking,” he appeals.
One challenge he highlights is that manufacturers and businessmen exploit the complexity of cancer and its risk factors as an excuse to produce and sell more polythene bags to the public.
“They often demand specific examples of cancer solely caused by polythene bags, even though multiple proven risk factors contribute to cancer development,” Jatho says, adding that investigating and linking a patient’s breast cancer, for example, to polythene exposure becomes difficult.
Nevertheless, exposure to polythene continues to be recognized as a contributing risk factor in the development of a specific form of cancer.
Makerere University Study
The department did a similar study in 2015 “The Migration of Chemical Contaminants from Polythene Bags into Food During Cooking” where they used different types of polythenes (green and black) to establish whether the chemicals in them can escape into the food when heated.
However, according to the researchers (L. Musoke, Noble Banadda, C. Sempala, and Julia Kigozi), this practice carries risks as chemicals from the bags may enter the food during cooking, potentially causing health problems.
The study found that heavy metals were present in the bags, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Cobalt (Co). The migration of these metals into food was tested by cooking a staple food called posho in black polythene bags at different temperatures. The highest concentrations of migrated heavy metals were observed at the highest temperature and longest cooking time.
“Although the amounts of migrated metals were small, long-term consumption of food cooked in these bags could lead to health complications,” indicates the study. To raise awareness among polythene bag users, the study findings were shared with the public through various media channels.
Unfortunately, the study indicates, Uganda lacks enforceable standards for the total content of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Co in polythene bags. Consequently, it is crucial for responsible stakeholders to intervene immediately and devise strategies to address this issue.
Community Outreach
February 4, every year is World Cancer Day. This year’s theme was “Close the Care Gap.” This theme is part of a three-year campaign aimed at addressing and reducing disparities in cancer care.
However, UCI researchers actively engage in community outreach to raise awareness about cancer risk factors, promote prevention strategies, encourage early diagnosis, and support adherence to treatment protocols. They educate the community about risk factors and empower informed lifestyle choices.
They further emphasise healthy habits, early screenings, and medical attention for symptoms. The institution provides support, education, and evidence-based interventions through workshops, campaigns, counselling, and collaborations for effective cancer prevention and control.
Environment
Scientific research and studies conducted by various organizations and institutions in the field of environmental health and cancer research indicate that water bodies polluted by chemicals of any nature can contribute to factors that increase the risk of cancer.
Information from Geneva Environment Network indicates that plastic contains a vast array of chemicals, with approximately 13,000 different chemicals used in its production. However, only about 3,200 of these chemicals have been verified as potentially concerning, while information on the hazards of the remaining 6,000 chemicals is still lacking.
Concerns are growing regarding the health risks associated with additives found in plastic. These additives can include endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that have been linked to various health issues such as infertility, obesity, diabetes, prostate or breast cancer, thyroid problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Moreover, additives in plastic have been associated with reproductive problems, growth issues, cognitive impairment, neurodevelopment disorders, and other health conditions.
A recent report by United Nations Environment Program and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, titled “Chemicals in Plastics,” underscores the heightened vulnerability of women and children to these toxic chemicals.
“Exposure to these chemicals during critical periods of a woman’s life can have severe and long-lasting adverse effects, potentially impacting future generations,” the study indicates.
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