Medical experts have called for early detection to stem the scourge of breast cancer among women.
They said through early detection, treatment can be activated immediately.
Speaking at a panel discussion to celebrate ‘World Cancer Month’, with the theme, ‘Embrace your Breast: Close the Care Gap’, organised by Mecure Cancer Center, in Lagos, the Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, Mecure, Dr Adeoluwa Adeniji, raised the alarm over the high prevalence of breast cancer.
He said many people in Africa die of breast cancer because there is no adequate awareness of the danger of the disease.
“Breast cancer can occur around the armpit area. However, people present it very late when the cancer is advanced. It is curable when it is detected early, which is key. Once it is detected, treatment follows,” he said.
He stated that with PET/CT scan, an effective treatment is ensured, adding that, “we need to push down the mortality rate, ensure more professionals and equipment in the field are available to stamp out the scourge.”
Dr Adeniji also stressed that oral contraceptive pills with estrogen substances expose women to the risk of breast cancer but not as a causative factor.
“The one with more estrogen has more risk. So they are called risk factors. The reason they are called risk factors is that the likelihood that an individual that would have taken OCP will develop breast cancer is higher but it is not a causative factor,” he said.
Living Western lifestyle that promotes homosexuality and consuming fatty meals, he added, also have associated risks of breast cancer.
A cancer survivor and Chief Executive Officer, Tinuke Cancer Foundation, Ms Tinu Lawal, said she was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago when the awareness was low, noting that low awareness caused many people to live in denial.
She however stated that there are facilities available to cure the ailment when detected early.
The Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking, Union Bank, Mr Oluyinka Kuyinu, said the quality of the health of citizens has an impact on the economy of the country.
He also stressed the need for early detection, adding that the private sector can work with organisations like Mecure to give discounts on screening and treatment for breast cancer.
