I was at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro this past week. Never been there before, which was a tad sad, as this is a lovely hotel. The hotel was hosting the team from Apollo Hospital, India. They were in Abuja to drum up business for their Proton Beam Therapy machine. This high-end machine is used to treat breast and other cancers. I assume you know what cancer is, right.
This is what happens to the female breast afflicted with cancer. Breasts are increasingly becoming endangered. Cancer destroys the breast and of course, it also kills women. Similarly, at times, surgeons also must remove the breast to save the woman’s life. Which makes it all terribly sad!
Breast cancer is a condition that can be treated if discovered early and treated with the seriousness it deserves. Find it early and treat it expeditiously and lives can be saved. So, why are increasing numbers of women suffering and dying of breast cancer in Nigeria? Dr Badejo, consultant surgeon and expert with the National Hospital, Abuja had the following to say about breast cancer.
1: Women are ignoring the early signs of breast problems. Women are ignoring changes in the colour, feel, size, and even appearance of the breast. They are not taking early enough decisions about pain, lumps in the breast and even discharge from the nipple.
2: Women are treating breast problems in churches, mosques, herbal homes and visiting the traditional medicine man. Women are allowing untrained and useless doctors, nurses, and even family members to treat them. People who have no business with the breast!
3: Some women are refusing surgery for unbelievable reasons. For fear of divorce from their partners, for example. Men love breasts and it seems some would rather their wives die from fungating breast cancer than lose the breast. I like breasts but not to the extent of preferring it over the life of a loved one.
Therefore, let us increase the advocacy on breast cancer. The following are important messages to share widely:
1: Women should examine their breasts regularly. Be aware of what is normal for you.
2: If you notice anything strange or unusual or different, please speak to a qualified doctor immediately.
3: Not every doctor is qualified to make decisions about breast diseases. Ask questions and seek the right help. Do not go to traditional healers about your breast issues. They cannot help!
4: Herbs, rubs, lotions, potions, and holy water cannot treat breast cancer.
5: Surgery is not the only treatment for breast cancer.
The truth is that cancer kills. Breast cancer treatment is also not affordable by many. Dr Bello, Oncologist, also of the National Hospital said that over 80% of women cannot afford breast cancer treatment. Therefore, prevention and early referral to specialist centres is critical. Treating the small lump, or early aggressive surgery to remove the whole breast may be lifesaving and reduce the overall cost of cancer treatment.
Even if the breast must be removed, doctors can put in artificial breasts that look and feel good. This preserves the shape of the woman’s breast and maintains her appearance, self-worth, and dignity.
Doctors and nurses must refer women to specialist centres and refer early. They should also not attempt to treat breast diseases for which many are unqualified to treat.
There is a dire need to save the female breast and save the lives of women. I rest my case!
NewsAnnexOnline 