Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in parts of the body. These abnormal cells know no limits for cellular replication and produce cells that serve no purpose. Most cases of cancer occur in older individuals but can occur in any individual at any age.

Nutrition is an important component in prevention and treatment of cancer and compromised nutrition puts an individual at a greater risk for the development of certain types of cancers.

Cancer can result from the absence or excess of iodine in the body. Iodised salt is the main source of sodium, chlorine and iodine in the diet which is essential for the body to function normally.

Iodine is important for pH balance in the blood, production of thyroid hormone which regulates metabolic rate, body temperature and tissue growth, production of all the hormones in the body (adrenals, ovaries, testicles, etc.) and formation of the normal architecture of the glandular tissue, e.g. breast, thyroid, ovary and prostate. Some dietary sources of iodine table/ iodised salt, seaweeds, sea fishes, shellfish, milk, milk products example yoghurt, cheese, butter etc.

Recommended average levels of iodine added to salt is 20–40 ug/kg, based on an estimated average salt consumption of 4-5 g/day in the adult population. However in Ghana; only 35 per cent of households consume adequately iodised salt.

Iodised salt and thyroid cancer The changes in endocrine function due to iodine deficiency or inadequate intake of iodine in the thyroid gland have been found to be a major contributory factor in the beginning of thyroid cancer.

Changes in endocrine function reduce thyroid hormone production leading to thyroid hyperplasia (overgrowth of cells) with a potential to transform into thyroid cancer. Similarly, flooding one’s system with iodine could also lead to hyperthyroidism which might lead to hyperplasia and thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer results in difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing normally; swollen lymph glands and severe pain in throat and neck; not forgetting the economic drain as a result of treatment.

Iodated salt and breast cancer Iodine is necessary for proper breast development and function as well as maintenance of structure and shape. It also acts as an antioxidant for the removal of cancerous agents in breast tissues and forms compounds called iodolipids/proteins which inhibit cells multiplying in breast tissue.

Iodine deficient breast tissues show signs of elevated lipid peroxidation, one of the factors in cancer development. Such tissues in the breasts also show changes in DNA leading to increase in oestrogen receptor proteins, thus, increase in circulating oestrogen (hormone responsible for breast cell division in order to capture more iodine), increasing risk of breast cancer.

Lack of iodine in breast tissues also induces the earliest form of malignant changes in the breast and make existing cancer more aggressive as well as increase the size of breast tumours.

Breast cancer is a very painful disease, causing swelling of the breast and drains one economically during treatment and thus must be avoided at all cost.

Just taking adequate amounts of iodised salt is enough to prevent thyroid and breast cancer as well as other conditions. Recommended dietary allowance of 150ug for adults which is the equivalent of one teaspoon of iodised salt per day is enough.

Note that too much iodine may lead to cancer. Also avoid leaving salt open because iodine is volatile and can easily evaporate. Finally, see a dietician for individualised advice if you are not sure about the amount to take or any related condition.

•?The writer is a student dietician at the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences,University of Ghana. Writer’s email: sharonlykerr@gmail.com