By Adesuwa Edokpayi and Esther Ihunanyachi Edebor
Each year, stakeholders in the nation’s health sector join the rest of the world to create awareness about breast cancer in the month of October.
In accordance with the theme for this year which is: “We Rise Together”, the Edo State Ministry of Health collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and IK Pharmacy in Benin City to screen women for the disease and raise awareness about the symptoms, prevention and possible cure for breast cancer.
The program which was held to mark the World Breast Cancer Day (October 28th 2022) at IK Pharmacy on Sokponba Road, Benin City, was attended by a large number of Edo residents, majority of whom were women of various ages.
The services rendered were free screening for breast cancer, malaria, blood sugar level and blood pressure. In addition, free anti-malaria medications were given to persons that were diagnosed with the disease.
A health talk was given by Dr. Omoye Bello, a Public Health Consultant at the Stella Obasanjo Specialist Hospital in Benin City during the program.
She explained that breast cancer may afflict both men and women, young and old, and most prevalent in women over the age of 40.
She listed many potential indicators of breast cancer, including a painless lump in the breast and changes in the color of the skin around the breast.
However, she went on to argue that the adage “what you don’t know won’t kill you” was completely untrue because the situation was typically the opposite.
Dr. Bello urged individuals, especially women, to get routine screening because there was a 90% probability of survival from breast cancer if detected at an early stage compared to a 22% chance at a developed stage, and added that when detected early enough, cancer may be prevented from spreading to other body parts.
The cause of the disease cannot be stated categorically, but the risk factors range from the environment and lifestyle, which include but are not limited to the use of hormonal drugs such as birth control drugs and obesity.
She advised that women should discontinue using hormonal birth control drugs for an extended period of time and seek healthy guidance to determine which contraceptives are best for them. Furthermore, Dr. Bello advised against a sedentary life and reducing intake of sugary and fatty foods, as this increases the chances of contracting breast cancer.
The Public Health Specialist further admonished all present to follow medical advice, particularly in the case of breast cancer, especially when a cancerous breast is recommended for removal in order to prevent further spread to other body parts.
Addressing the media, Mr. Andrew Wilson, an administrator at IK Pharmacy, said that it was customary for the business to host an annual breast cancer awareness campaign.
He expressed satisfaction with the attendance, especially the high number of young women, and the amount of interest shown in the issues highlighted, noting that this was a more positive event than previous editions. He however laid emphasis on the importance of exercises while appreciating the Management and Staff at IK Pharmacy as well as the other collaborators who made the event a success.
Highlight of the occasion was the consultant’s private physical instruction on self-examination for breast cancer with the women present.
