You’re probably prowling the internet today for juicy bits of the BBN show. But for the next five minutes, how about we arm you with pointy tips to stave off breast cancer? And then, I promise we can both go back to drooling over Sheggz. Of course, that’s assuming you were in the first place.
There are over 100,000 cases of breast cancer recorded nationwide every year, accounting for about 23% of the total cancer burden in Nigeria. And the single most predisposing factor is being female. The good news is, breast cancer is not a death sentence, not if it’s detected early.
Breast cancer is a disease that is characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the breast. It is the most common type of cancer worldwide, affecting women in both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria particularly, the incidence of breast cancer, alongside the total cancer burden, is on the rise as a result of lifestyle changes and urbanization.
In my stint as a caregiver at a cancer care facility in Nigeria, an experience which has now informed my decision to actively advocate cancer awareness, I met a number of patients from various backgrounds on admission for breast cancer treatment.
Given how there are very few conversations about cancer prevalence in Nigeria, the sheer number of these women was shocking. But that’s only one half of the story. The rest of it is rife with the excruciating pain endured by these patients confined to beds lined in rows down that ward hall. I’ll share the story of a patient (aliased as Nkechi) I met there.
When Nkechi first discovered lumps in her breasts, she dismissed them as “nothing serious.” Later on, she sought advice from her family and friends who assured her that it was the handiwork of her enemies. Typically, they fetched herbs from every corner of the motherland, promising these would resolve her worries. But they didn’t, and things got progressively worse. Her breasts dimpled, were then inflamed and began to hurt terribly.
When she eventually sought medical attention, she was scheduled for a double mastectomy almost immediately. She lost both breasts, but this seeming loss of femininity was to be the least of her worries. She had charred scars over her chest where she’d received radiotherapy, was getting a blood transfusion every other week to keep her blood cell counts up, and survived on a strict diet of unsweetened yoghurt to deprive the cancer cells of glucose.
Still, the cancer persisted. It had spread to her lungs, and to her limbs, and they were all swollen disproportionately. When last we spoke, she was receiving chemotherapy. It’s been a difficult course but Nkechi persists, confident that she’s going to be alright.
As laudable as Nkechi’s resolve is, you don’t have to suffer through the same. Cancer therapy is really expensive, and everybody know say country tuff.
Let’s now discuss what you should look out for.
There are about 7 types of breast cancer, notable among which is the Triple-negative breast cancer, claimed to be the most prevalent subtype in Nigeria according to this study. It is a type of cancer where the cancer cells lack estrogen or progesterone receptors and also makes little of the HER2 protein, and as such are resistant to hormone-targeted therapy. It grows and spreads faster than other forms of invasive breast cancer. Other types are discussed in detail here.
What can predispose you to breast cancer?
From research, several factors can put you at risk for breast cancer. Some of these include hereditary mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, female gender, aging, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, a lack of physical activity and being overweight.
Symptoms of breast cancer include the following:
1. Thickened areas/lumps in the breasts and armpit.
2. Armpit or breast pain does not change with the monthly cycle
3. Dimpling, or color changes such as redness in the skin of the breast
4. A rash around or on one nipple
5. Discharge from a nipple, which may contain blood.
6. A sunken or inverted nipple
7. A change in the size or shape of the breast
8. Peeling, flaking, or scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple.
Say you’ve observed some of these symptoms already, what next?
Seek immediate medical attention. Get a mammogram to determine if the mass is malignant. Some of them are benign (as with fibroadenomas and cysts) and do not cause too much trouble. As per your physician’s discretion, your treatment options may include a lumpectomy (to remove the lumps), mastectomy (to remove an entire breast or two), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Start with a proper consultation first, and ask as many questions as you need to be clear.
And hallelujah, you haven’t! What are some measures you can take to lower your risk?
1. Eat healthy, wholesome meals and maintain a healthy weight.
2. Avoid smoking (including secondhand smoke) and limit alcohol consumption.
3. If you’ve a family history of breast cancer, stay vigilant. It is advisable to get a mammogram annually, from age 25.
4. Breastfeed your babies for longer. Studies have shown that pregnancy and lactation decrease oestrogen levels (which is a risk factor, especially in cases of early exposure as with early menarche); and with every baby breastfed for over a year, the risk for breast cancer decreases.
5. Avoid indiscriminate exposure to radiation.
6. Manage your stress as much as possible, exercise often and drink lots of water.
7. Perform routine breast self-exams on a monthly basis. This helps you discover any abnormalities early on. If you don’t know how, here’s a resource to guide you.
Early detection of breast cancer, as with other cancer types, often guarantees a brilliant recovery. Because your body left to chance will show you shege, please be proactive about your health.
