Environmental and lifestyle trends prompt rise in cancer prevalence in South Sudan

A health specialist and expert in oncology is warning that the prevalence of cancer is on the rise in South Sudan and says more needs to be done to stop the trend. 

Changkel Banek Riek, also an assistant professor for pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Juba, says incidence rates are highest in Greater Jonglei, with breast cancer attacking women while liver cancer is most prevalent among men. 

Riek, attributes the disturbing trends to environmental factors and life style changes. He rules out culture as a risk factor.

He, reveals that South Sudan has only three oncologists or specialists who are able to diagnose the disease. 

He spoke to Sworo Charles Elisha in this interview