The reported passing of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo has once again pushed conversations about cancer into the public space in Nigeria.
Across social media, tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and industry figures, many reflecting not only on his career but also on the silent nature of long-term illnesses that often stay hidden until they become critical.
While the details of his reported illness remain private, the broader conversation it has triggered is very real: cancer remains one of the most complex and feared health conditions globally — and in many cases, it develops quietly over time before showing severe symptoms.
This article breaks down 5 major causes of cancer and how it is commonly treated, to help create awareness around a disease that affects millions of families worldwide.
1. Genetic Factors (Family History)
One of the strongest risk factors for cancer is genetics.
Some people inherit gene mutations from their parents that increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers later in life.
This does not mean cancer is guaranteed, but it raises the risk significantly.
Conditions like breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer often appear more frequently in families with a shared medical history.
Early screening becomes extremely important for individuals with a family history of cancer.
2. Lifestyle Choices
Everyday habits play a major role in cancer risk.
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity have all been linked to different types of cancer.
Processed foods, high sugar intake, and low fibre diets can also contribute to long-term health complications.
In many cases, lifestyle-related cancers develop slowly over years of repeated exposure to harmful habits.
Small daily choices often determine long-term health outcomes.
3. Environmental Exposure
Modern environments expose people to harmful substances more than ever before.
Air pollution, toxic chemicals, industrial waste, and radiation exposure are all known cancer risk factors.
People working in certain industries may also face higher exposure to carcinogenic substances without adequate protection.
Urban living, especially in highly polluted cities, increases long-term risk levels.
4. Infections and Chronic Illnesses
Some infections are directly linked to cancer development.
Examples include:
* Hepatitis B and C (linked to liver cancer)
* Human Papillomavirus (HPV) linked to cervical cancer
* Helicobacter pylori linked to stomach cancer
When these infections persist without treatment, they can gradually damage cells and increase cancer risk.
Chronic inflammation from untreated illnesses can also contribute to abnormal cell growth over time.
5. Random Cellular Mutations (Unknown Causes)
Not all cancers have clear explanations.
Sometimes, cells in the body mutate randomly during cell division. These mutations can grow uncontrollably and form tumours.
This is one of the reasons cancer can affect even people with healthy lifestyles and no family history.
It is also why early detection remains critical — because prevention is not always possible.
How Cancer Is Treated
Cancer treatment depends heavily on the type, stage, and location of the disease, but common approaches include:
1. Surgery
Used to remove tumours from the body when detected early.
2. Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
Targets cancer cells using high-energy rays.
4. Immunotherapy
Helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
5. Targeted Therapy
Focuses on specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth.
In many cases, treatment involves a combination of methods depending on how advanced the condition is.
Health Is Wealth
Beyond headlines and tributes, cancer remains a reminder of how fragile health can be — and how silent many serious illnesses are before they become visible.
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Public conversations like this often open the door to something more important: awareness, early testing, and health education.
While the entertainment industry continues to mourn and celebrate lives lost too soon, the wider lesson remains unchanged: Health is not something to assume — it is something to protect consistently.
