KHADIJAT Banwo discovered a lump in her left breast in 2010. According to her, the lump gradually grew until it became visible. After a test, she was told that the lump was malignant and she commenced treatment. She underwent series of tests and chemotherapy, Banwo’s passionate support from her family members helped her pull through when it became tough.
“There is nothing like being declared cancer free,” she said. Now a breast cancer survivor and has moved on with her life, she however advises women to go for periodic screening of all reproductive organs and any abnormality should be queried. While stressing that it is important to seek for a second opinion from another hospital and desist from denial and selfstigma, Banwo said, “acceptance and prompt medical attention determines whether it is a death sentence or not. Early detection plus prompt medical attention saves life. Whether benign or malignant, be positive and optimistic about it.” Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a worldwide annual campaign which is aimed at highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness, cause, diagnosis, prevention, education, research and cure. It is a yearly campaign geared towards educating people on the importance of early screening, tests and other related information. Organisations also aim to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds to help in life-saving research and support. Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the breasts. Just as cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the body; and this can occur in any part of the body, whether bone, brain, skin, breasts, bladder. All the tissues in the body can develop cancer. It is due to uncontrolled/abnormal cell growth. Breast cancer occurs in men (with worse outcomes due to delay in getting medical care). Women have more breast tissue than men; breast cancer ratio is about 100 in women, 1 in men (100:1).
Among numerous non-governmental organisations driving the change and ensuring that more women are breast cancer free/ aware is Project Pink Blue. According to the organisation, cancer is responsible for 70,327 annual deaths in Nigeria. Breast and Cervical cancers have become a major health concern among women in Nigeria. They are the leading causes of death among women with combined incidence rates of 68.9 per 100,000 women and combined mortality rates of 38.8 per 100,000 women. As more action needs to be taken to help reduce the cause of cancer deaths among women in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of new incidences of cancer in Nigeria as at 2018 was 115,950 and the number of cancer deaths in 2018 was 70,327 and this number will increase in the coming years. It is therefore important that people especially women are aware of this and check themselves regularly.
Experts say that some symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast and treatment depends on the stage of the disease. The treatment may consist of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. According to an Oncologist Dr. Ugonna Ajoku, coordinator of the Dew Drops Support Group organised by Lakeshore Cancer Center in affiliation with Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, “If you find a lump or other changes in your breast, make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation. “Do not be scared or wish it away.
Early detection is key in surviving cancer because it helps the individual begin treatment in earnest and goes a long way to save life. One can start by learning how the natural breast is so that when there is any abnormality, it is quickly observed and reported. Many people have battled with cancer and won the same way some have died from it. The difference is usually the timing in the detection. If detected early enough, the chances of survival are usually very high.” With this year’s theme, ‘Give hope, save life’, it becomes absolutely important to be conscious of one’s health. While cancer treatments do not come cheap, it is important to seek the best healthcare specialist when absolutely necessary.
