Dr Ifeoma Ajuba, Consultant Haematologist, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, has urged women to embrace regular breast examination to detect breast cancer at the early stages of growth.
Ajuba made the call on Monday at the annual seminar on Cancer Awareness and Support to Indigent Cancer Patients, organised by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter.
She said that breast examinations were best done the week after the menstrual cycle while women who had gone through menopause should do theirs on the same day every month.
According to her, women should remember to do the breast examinations every month.
“Breast cancer is not the kind of disease that gives obvious physical symptoms, therefore, regular breast screening or examination is necessary for women.
“Practicing breast examination helps you know how your breasts look and feel, as well as detect any abnormal swelling or lumps.
“This allows for early detection of breast cancer, which is the best way to manage cancer and, by implication, treatment which could either be through medication or surgery,” she said
Ajuba identified self-examination which could be carried out by the woman at home and mammograms as the two most common methods women use for breast inspections.
“For self-examination, gently use your fingers, press your breast and check for any abnormal changes in shape, feel or look. Should you find any cause for concern, immediately report to your doctor.
“Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect and screen for early signs of cancer and tumours too small to be felt,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, said that deaths caused by breast cancer could be decreased by early detection with breast self-examination.
Obinabo urged women to take their health seriously by keying into the initiative of the wife of the Governor – Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo – to help checkmate unhealthy diets.
Earlier in her address, Dr Ego Uzoezie, Chairman, League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Anambra state Chapter, said the programme was aimed at promoting health for women’s empowerment.
“The objective of the league is to promote, in all its ramifications, the empowerment of women, employ ways of encouraging and assisting them to develop economically,” Uzoezie said. (NAN)
