Facts on breast cancer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared breast cancer as the number one cancer scourge afflicting human beings! One in eight women are at risk of having breast cancer in their lifetime, (a diagnosis of breast cancer is made every other minute)! Wow! And here in Nigeria, most of the diagnoses are made when it is too late, thereby leading to several needless and painful deaths of our beloved moms, sisters, aunts, friends, colleagues, etc!

• Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer in Nigeria. In many cases, there are no obvious symptoms at all, which makes it difficult to detect and by the time it becomes obvious, it is almost always too late and may lead to death.

• One or two in every 25 Nigerian women are at risk of breast cancer but higher risks exist for women who are older than 45, older than 30 at birth of their first child and women with family history (mother, aunt or sister only).

• Studies have proven that Breast Self Examinations (BSE) significantly improves the early detection of breast cancer cases. Women are therefore encouraged to examine their breasts every month, preferably a few days after their periods.

• Ultrasound scans and mammograms are also available to help make an early diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Most breast cancers are palpable and therefore a woman who is constantly aware of the changes in her breasts is more likely to pick up a cancerous lump earlier, thus preventing late presentation, thus improving her chances of early detection, cure and survival.

• Very rarely, breast cancer affects men, approximately 1% of all cases affect men!

• So what are we (Optimal Cancer Care Foundation) doing to help prevent breast cancer in Nigeria?

• Well, we launched our ‘Go Pink 2013’ breast cancer awareness campaign in October and we have successfully completed the campaign and we are grateful for the support of everyone that got involved!