Much A’do about Boobs



Ok breasts! Breasts! Breasts!

 I said that thrice on purpose, I figured if we say it enough then women will stop shying away from this topic.

As soon as breasts are mentioned in a health related setting, a lot of women go into shutdown mode and would prefer to bury their heads in the sands. 

It’s breast cancer!!!!.....but is it???

I know, I get it, I understand, breast cancer is scary and even I have lost a first degree relative from this disease but let’s get some boob education and not just leave it till October  (Breast cancer awareness month).

So here are the facts (According to WHO):

• Breast Cancer is the most  frequent cancer among women, impacting over 1.5 million women each year
• Causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2015, 570,000 women died from breast cancer – that is approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women.
• While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region globally.
• Almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries (GLOBOCAN 2008).
• Breast cancer survival rates vary greatly worldwide, ranging from 80% or over in North America, Sweden and Japan to around 60% in middle-income countries and below 40% in low-income countries. The low survival rates in less developed countries can be explained mainly by the lack of early detection programmes, resulting in a high proportion of women presenting with late-stage disease, as well as by the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment facilities.

OK! Don’t panic and run away yet — 80 to 85 percent of breast lumps are benign, meaning they are noncancerous, especially in women younger than age 40. Not only that, if you’re having regular mammograms, and if those mammograms have been normal, odds are even better and it is more likely that your lump is not cancer.

A lump could be benign (not cancer) and most breast changes are not cancer.

 Our breasts are constantly going through change, from puberty,through monthly periods, through pregnancy and the menopause. This is due to the varying levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone present  at any one time.

 Some benign breast conditions may cause problems and these need treatment, but this is not always the case. However, if you notice any change that’s unusual for you, it is important to see a Qualified Specialist.

I will address benign breast conditions in a separate post.

So what happens if it is cancer??? Early detection is key! The earlier it is picked up, the better prognosis (Chances of survival). It is not an automatic death sentence ladies!! If we empower ourselves with information, the more likely we are to pick up abnormalities and seek medical attention. 

Do you know how to do a self-breast exam??? How often do you do a self-breast Exam??

Breast self-exam is a useful and essential screening strategy, especially when used in combination with regular physical exams by a doctor and mammography; it is particularly useful in a society such as Nigeria where access to health services might be an issue. About 20% of the time, breast cancers are found by physical examination rather than by mammography (breastcancer.org).

If you're over 40 or at a high risk for the disease, you should also have an annual mammogram and physical exam by a doctor

The examination itself involves looking and feeling thoroughly at least once a month a, the link below takes you to one of the best resources I’ve come across for this topic. Please Click and learn the Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam.

The more comfortable you are at examining your own breasts, the more likely you are to correctly identify new changes and seek further attention if indicated.

I know that not every woman reading this over 40 or even under 40 will be able to access and afford mammograms or follow up should a lump be found.

Do you know of any Nigerian  based NGOs that support women with breast cancer? Please Please comment below as I will like to get involved and I know some readers would too.

Besides, someone reading this might benefit from their help.

Till next time ladies!

Remember, we are taking control of our health…one step at a time.

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