The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, has disclosed that the lack of early detection and treatment of breast cancer has kept the ailment as the leading cause of death among Nigerian women.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this was disclosed by the National President of BRECAN, Mrs Tolu Taiwo, in Ibadan on Saturday during a Breast Cancer Sensitisation programme.
Taiwo explained that the prevalence of cancer, especially breast cancer, has become so worrisome that people in their 20s are now living with the disease.
“Many more of such were detected late when the disease has advanced and could not be cured,” she said.
Taiwo said 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.
“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.
The BRECAN President bemoaned 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 stressed that 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.”
Te founder of BRECAN and wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in her address said cancer was no longer a death sentence.
“You should visit your hospitals whenever you notice any unusual thing such as a lump in your 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,” Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was represented at the event by Mr Alex Uka, Special Adviser on Special Duties, said.
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.
The lead jogger for the 2023 Jog for Life, Mrs Josephine Onitshabo, said people needed to get the right information about breast cancer.
Onitshabo stated that women needed to engage in regular breast self-examination for early detection to know if there was a lump or pain.
She encouraged women to shun the fear of stigmatisation and go to hospitals and get help.
