The disclosure was made by an Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Maimuna Abubakar during the quarterly meeting and health lecture of the Bauchi State chapter of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) held at the NUJ Press Center, Bauchi on Tuesday.
Maimuna Abubakar also noted that breast cancer was more rampant among ladies of reproductive age between the ages of 18 and 55 years, declaring that breast cancer is not a death sentence, as many people believed, but with good medical care, the disease could be controlled.
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The medical expert further stated that women need proper sensitisation and awareness on the control of breast cancer, hence the formation of the association for Breast Cancer awareness.
“Breast cancer can be controlled if it is discovered early enough. Therefore, it is very important for ladies and women to check their breasts regularly. They also need a good knowledge of the disease and awareness of its control. Cancer of the breast is not a death sentence,” she stated.
“Breast self-examination is a must for every woman, particularly after she finishes her monthly period. As a woman, you have to examine yourself and you do that by lying flat on your back and put your hand on the left breast and massage slowly to check for any lump. You do the same for the right breast and if you feel anything abnormal, quickly see your doctor for further investigations,” Maimuna Abubakar further stated.
She also explained that 70 per cent of cancer cases in Bauchi state are reported late, stressing that early detection and treatment will save the life of the victim.
She lamented that “Most cancer victims come to the hospital when the case is late. Most of them patronise traditional services which at the end of the day worsen the problem. They usually come to us when the breast develops sores and almost all the tissues surrounding the breast destroyed.”
Maimuna Abubakar then called on women to teach their fellow women, relations and daughters the culture of self-breast examination as well as organising continuous awareness programmes to educate local women on breast cancer.
A Breast Cancer survivor, Elizabeth Carr, a reporter with the Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), said that it was early detection that saved her life and urged women to always visit health facilities in the State for an intensive medical checkup at least one in a year.
In her words: ” I am a living testimony of a survivor of breast cancer, so if I survive, any other woman can survive, but she must start early treatment to save her life,” she said.
She then urged women to check their breasts regularly and make necessary observations on the breasts and in case any lump is found, they should take necessary medical steps immediately.
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