Gbenro Adesina
Medical practitioners and stakeholders on Friday, May 12, 2023, called for strategic collaborative efforts towards raising awareness of breast cancer and ensuring early detection of the disease so as to save many lives.
This advice was given at the sensitization programme on Breast Cancer Awareness tagged “Basic Overview on Breast Cancer” organised by the Head of the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Professor Aituaje Irene Pogoson, which was held at the Lady Bank Anthony Hall of the institution.
Delivering an insightful presentation on an overview of Breast Cancer, a Consultant Surgeon, Dr Bolaji Ayandipo, of UI College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, highlighted factors responsible for the disease to include age, genetic, family and personal histories, ethnic background, dense breast tissues, menstrual cycle, and late menopause.
He also mentioned other modifiable factors including radiation exposure, reproduction, breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, body weight, and other bad lifestyle activities.
Ayandipo advised women to always take note of their breasts and seek help immediately if they notice any change in the structure of their breast tissue, lump, or any skin colour change on the breast area.
Some of the measures to undertake include constant self-breast examination, clinical breast examination, Mammogram, Breast ultrasound, MRI, and breast biopsy. He advised women to do yearly mammograms from age 40.
A health practitioner, who took the participant through a demonstration of self-breast examination techniques, advised premenopausal women to carry out the examination three days after menstruation each month, while menopausal women should adopt a constant monthly examination, for example, every last Saturday of the month.
Also, Promise Ihezie from the Breast Cancer Awareness Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), who delivered a presentation on experiences from the field, noted the importance of early detection and treatment of the disease.
He used some case studies to bring to light the high prevalence of breast cancer in Nigeria.
Prof Irene Pogoson, Ambassador, Tolu Taiwo, Prof Taiye Simbine and Dr Omobolaji Ayandipo
Earlier, the Chief Host of the event, the Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Eze Nwokocha, noted that if breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that it can be cured.
He stated that ignorance is no longer an excuse and prevention is better than cure.
The Special Guest of Honour, Wife of the Governor of Ondo State and Founder of the BRECAN, Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was represented by the National President of BRECAN, Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, eulogised the organizer and her team for putting the sensitization programme together.
She noted that academia must set the pace by educating the public about the disease.
Being a breast cancer survivor, she appreciated the fact that she was treated successfully at the University College Hospital (UCH) which is a part of UI and that she did not need to travel abroad for treatment.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also advised that early detection is very crucial and advocated for funding to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, urging the government to make treatment affordable.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, pointed out that Breast Cancer is the leading type of cancer in women, noting that the importance of wellness to academic productivity either as students or staff cannot be overemphasized.
According to him, the issue of awareness and sensitization on breast cancer, which is the reason for the event, is very timely and laudable.
He said: “Breast cancer is a critical issue that affects many individuals globally, including those in our institutions of higher learning. I am delighted with an event of this nature, set to raise awareness about breast cancer and its impact on our lives. As an individual, family or, institution, we could have lost somebody to this disease, suggesting that cancer affects all of us personally in one way or another.”
“Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in females worldwide and a leading cause of death in both developing and developed countries. Although it is a disease that also affects men, the majority of cases are found in women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), Breast cancer was the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in 2020, with 685,000 deaths attributed to it”, he stated.
Adebowale lamented the late presentation of the disease and the high cost of treatment, which may be unaffordable for the average Nigerian woman.
He said: “Notwithstanding the high incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer in Nigeria, it is sad to note that the majority of the women in rural and urban settings possess little or no knowledge about the risk factors and symptoms of the disease. Permit me to also state that, the breast cancer campaign is not the exclusive affairs of women only. Men are equally critical partners in the sensitization endeavour and public education on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.”
The convener, Professor Pogoson, who was elated at the turnout, reiterated the purpose of the sensitization programme, pointing out that she would like to make it an annual event.
As a survivor, she felt that there was a need to raise awareness among young ladies, especially, about the life-threatening disease which also affects both men and women, young and old.
Also in attendance at the event are the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, Director of University Health Services (Jaja), Dr Ronke Ajav, husband of the convener and former Director of the Institute of African Studies, Professor Ohioma Pogoson, lecturers, staff and students of UI and other invited guests.
