Breast cancer: Group decries rising cases among women

The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) says lack of early detection and treatment of breast cancer have kept the ailment as the leading cause of death among Nigerian women. The National President of BRECAN, Mrs Tolu Taiwo, stated this in Ibadan on Saturday during a Breast Cancer Sensitisation programme.

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Taiwo said the prevalence of cancer, especially breast cancer, has become so alarming that people in their 20s are now living with the disease. She added that this situation led to the yearly “Jog for Life” campaign and the various activities of the association with market women, Primary Healthcare Centres and schools.

“Many more of such were detected late, when the disease has advanced and could not be cured. Now we have teenagers with lumps in their breasts, unlike before. Our message now is that if you detect anything early, you cry out early. And when you treat early, you will definitely be fine,” she said.

Taiwo lamented the poor attitude of Nigerians to self-breast examination and medical checks because people still present stage three or four level cancer which ought not to be.

She said the goal was that Nigerians should present stage zero to stage one of cancer where their lives could be saved. “It should not be at a later stage which will only require palliative care.”

In her address, the founder of BRECAN and wife of the Ondo State Government, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, represented at the event by Mr Alex Uka, Special Adviser on Special Duties, said cancer was no longer a death sentence.

“You should visit your hospitals whenever you notice any unusual thing such as a lump in their breast and not focus on religion alone as the solution. With what BRECAN has been doing and known for we are raising an awareness that breast cancer can be done,” she added.

Also, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Odoba Oche, said the campaign was to let Nigerians know the danger of late presentation of  breast cancer. He said precaution remained the best treatment for breast cancer.

NAN/Wumi