A report published Wednesday by the American Cancer Society has uncovered a connection between certain common infections and the development of cancer. These infections, primarily triggered by viruses, pose a significant risk to human health.

Viruses, incredibly small organisms comprising DNA or RNA enveloped in a protein coating, can infiltrate living cells and commandeer their reproductive machinery. By integrating their genetic material into the host cell’s DNA, viruses can disrupt normal cellular function.

When viral DNA or RNA interferes with the host cell’s genes, it can propel the cell toward cancerous transformation. This process can lead to unchecked cell proliferation, tumor formation, and potentially, cancer.

Below are four common viral infections classified as carcinogenic to humans:

1. HPVs
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. HIV

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs)

HPVs are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) which causes warts in various parts of the body including skin, mouth, throat and vagina.

Among the over 150 viruses that cause HPV, a dozen (12) have been found to increase the risk of oral, cervical, and genital cancers.

HPV is found to be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers.

Most sexually active people will be infected with HPV at least once in their lives. Using condoms can protect against the infection.

However, vaccination offers the strongest protection against HPV and prevents more than 90% of HPV cancers.

It has been recommended to get vaccinated before being sexually active. Two or three doses of the HPV vaccine from age 9 to 26.

• Hepatitis B and C

These viral infections attack the liver and cause inflammation. They are mostly spread by contact with contaminated blood, semen, and other body fluids as well as breastfeeding.

When Hepatitis B and C become a long-term infection in one’s body, it increases the chance of liver cancer.

These infections eventually lead to cancer when the liver cells are highly inflamed and there is a buildup of scar tissue in the liver called cirrhosis.

Hepatitis C is the infection more likely to cause chronic infection that leads to liver damage or cancer. Hepatitis B can be cured in a few months after being treated.

To reduce the risk of liver cancer, it is recommended to get tested for Hepatitis B and C at least once in a lifetime from age 18.

When tested positive for any of the infections, using several preventive drugs is important as they help prevent the risk but can not cure the infection.

Also, there is an effective vaccine for Hepatitis B but none for Hepatitis C.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends the HBV vaccine for all children and adults up to age 59, as well as those who are older and at risk of HBV exposure.

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk from an HIV-infected person.

This virus does not cause cancer directly but because it weakens the immune system and cells that fight against the virus, it increases the risk of getting several types of cancer.

A weak immune system will let other viruses like HPV survive long enough to grow into a life-threatening tumour.

HIV has been linked to several cancers including cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer, and cancer of the mouth and throat.

To prevent HIV and its prolonged effect, the CDC recommends that HIV tests should be part of routine healthcare for people between the ages of 13 to 64.

There is no vaccine for HIV but there are preventive measures. The measures include not having unprotected sex or sharing needles with someone who has HIV.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the recall of Dove beauty bar soap.

In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, the NAFDAC director-general, said the 100g soap with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, was recalled due to chemical impurity.

Adeyeye said the soap does not comply with the cosmetic products regulations because it contains butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child, and skin sensitisation.

“As a result, a ban on the marketing of the product has been placed by some regulatory and public authorities in the EU,” the statement reads.

”Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go Fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash, and invisible dry.

“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list.

“Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.
These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database.

“Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products.

“Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, e-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-Safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”

In today’s tech-driven world, laptops have become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether for work, study, or entertainment, we often find ourselves placing laptops right on our laps.

But have you ever wondered if this habit could affect your health? Specifically, does placing a laptop on your lap impact women’s fertility?

While concerns have been raised about how this might affect men, many wonder if women are at risk too.

Heat and radiation concerns

One of the main reasons people worry about using laptops on their laps is the heat they generate. Laptops can get quite warm during use, and this heat might raise the temperature around the pelvic area. For men, it’s been established that excessive heat can affect sperm production. But what about women?

The female reproductive system is mostly internal, which means that the organs responsible for fertility are not as directly exposed to heat as in men. However, this doesn’t mean that women are completely unaffected. Prolonged exposure to heat might potentially raise the body’s core temperature slightly. Yet, there is no scientific evidence directly linking laptop heat to reduced fertility in women. Most experts believe that the brief periods during which most people use laptops on their laps are unlikely to cause any harm.

Electromagnetic radiation and fertility

Another concern that often comes up is electromagnetic radiation. Laptops, like many other electronic devices, emit a small amount of electromagnetic radiation. People worry that this could harm the reproductive organs or eggs in women. However, it’s important to know that the amount of radiation emitted by a laptop is very low and falls within safety limits set by regulatory bodies.

Currently, there is no scientific evidence showing that the radiation from laptops affects female fertility. Most studies and expert opinions suggest that the levels of radiation are too low to cause any significant harm.

Maintaining healthy habits

Even though there is no strong evidence suggesting that using a laptop on your lap will harm female fertility, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Using a laptop stand or a cushion can help prevent direct heat exposure and might make using your laptop more comfortable.

Taking regular breaks and changing positions can also be beneficial, not just for fertility but for overall health, such as preventing back and neck strain.