The month of October is set aside as the Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is marked in various countries to increase support, awareness and reduce the stigma attached to breast cancer. Breast cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in women with an increasing mortality ratio in Sub-Saharan African countries and other developing countries. This can be partially attributed to low public awareness, lack of accessible and affordable medical measures and delayed presentation of breast cancer. According to world health Organisation, 2.1 million women suffer from breast cancer each year and 627 000 women died from breast cancer in 2018. Previous studies have shown that 70-80% of African women present with stage III or stage IV breast cancer, most often, years after self-detection.
In this part of the world, there is an implanted sense of security in women, the possibility that one could have breast cancer is seen as a taboo, a punishment for offending the gods, and the thought that one could die of breast cancer is considered a tempting fate. However, neglecting the fact that being a woman is a major risk factor for developing breast cancer is a bigger offense. Around one third of deaths from cancer can be attributed to some behavioral and dietary life style; obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, low fruits and vegetables intake and alcohol use. This is not to rule out other risk factors that can predisposed women to breast cancer, such as old age, being a woman, genetic mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene and a family history of cancer. Being a risk factor does not guarantee that you will surely have breast cancer, as there are women who have developed cancer without a known risk factor.
Different people present with different symptoms of breast cancer, while others may not have symptoms at all. When you notice symptoms such as lump in the breast, a change in the breast’s shape, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area, pulling in of the nipple, pain around the nipple or breast region, it is important that you seek for an immediate medical treatment. The symptoms earlier mentioned do not always score to the diagnosis of breast cancer, they could be symptoms of some underlying conditions - the more reason you should seek medical advice.
Sadly, there is no adequate knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, hence, early detection remains the main measure for breast cancer control. Despite the knowledge and awareness about breast cancer among some women, few women take the necessary steps to try and detect the breast cancer at the early stage. It is good to be optimistic and prayerful about good health, but it is better to be proactive and take responsibility for one’s health. When was the last time you went for a medical check-up? This is your body and you will have to wear it all through your life time. Early detection has been linked to decrease mortality rate of breast cancer.
There are some factors you do not have control over and there are some you can take full responsibility of to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Women should have regular screening to improve chances of early detection, keep a healthy weight, cut down food craps and stress, eat more of veggies and fruits, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol intake, shut down cigarette smoking, ask your doctor and pharmacists about the risk and the type of hormone and oral contraceptives that best suit you. Protect yourself and the women around you. It’s breast cancer awareness month, take necessary precautions, go for screening, stay pink and safe.