ON TODAY’S VIEWPOINT, HEAD OF EDITORIAL UNIT, YETUNDE OKE WRITES ON GLOBAL EFFORTS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON BREAST CANCER.
October of every year is regarded as pink month. A month dedicated to educate people on breast cancer including early identification, signs and symptoms.
During the pink month, various campaigns, events, fundraising, and educational activities take place to spread information about breast health, self-examination, and screening methods.
Breast cancer awareness month is recognised because breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and causing significant mortality.
It is quite alarming to know that a lot of people do not know that breast cancer can occur in both men and women, although more common in women.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, affecting millions of women.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast, as it typically forms in the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) or lobules (glands that produce milk).
Every year, breast cancer kills more than 500,000 women around the world, in resource-poor settings. Majority of women with breast cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, resulting in low survival rates.
In Nigeria, there is a renewed determination to save thousands of women from breast cancer.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria has increased the provision of infrastructure for diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy for breast and other cancers.
It also disclosed that some tertiary facilities now have mammography and other facilities to detect and diagnose breast cancer at its early stages.
The ministry added that unfortunately, many Nigerian women do not know what to do when they discover the early symptoms of breast cancer, and end up in facilities that cannot offer the required care.
While it is impossible to completely avoid breast cancer, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.
Some of these include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activities, limiting alcohol consumption, desist from smoking, and breastfeeding may lower the chances of developing breast cancer.
Also, hormone replacement therapy, delayed childbirth, birth control pills use and fewer pregnancies can increase chances of breast cancer.
Additionally, early detection through regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can increase the chances of successful treatment.
It is also essential to address misconceptions surrounding the breast cancer.
Using deodorant or antiperspirant does not cause breast cancer, also, underwire bras do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Some people are under the impression that breast cancer always causes a lump that can be felt during self-examination, however, breast cancer does not always cause a lump.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eating healthy and limited alcohol, does not mean you do not have to worry about breast cancer.
Also, not having a family history of breast cancer does not mean you cannot be at the risk of breast cancer.
However, only about 5–10% cases of breast cancer are believed to be hereditary.
Again, as we mark the pink month, it is an avenue to educate the public, empower men and women to take charge of their health, contribute to research efforts, and provide support and resources for those affected by breast cancer.
Finally, it is important to note that 90% of early stage of breast cancers is curable, often with treatments that conserve the breast, also, self-examination of the breasts once a month for any early signs is required, while visits to the doctor regularly is highly recommended.
