More women now turn up for breast cancer screen - Anita Anjoku of Pink Pearl Foundation

When Angelina Jolie, a top Hollywood actress, came out publicly that she had double mastectomy, this single act led to many referrals for genetic tests of breast cancer risk. Mrs. Jolie's decision to have both breasts removed was based on a positive test for a mutation of the BRCAI gene. Her mother had died of breast cancer, and her aunt died only two weeks after the actress revealed she had undergone a mastectomy. Genetic testing is used to determine whether women with a family history of breast cancer carry mutations of specific genes, which significantly increase breast cancer risk and are believed to be responsible for between five and 10 per cent of all breast cancers. 

Well that story seems very far away and out of our reach, infact it looks like something from a Hollywood script but it shows how far and enlightened many Americans are about breast cancer.

But how informed are the Nigerian women? Is the average Nigerian woman more knowledgeable about the disease compared to its western counterpart? On speaking to Anita Ajoku, the spokesperson for Pink Pearl foundation, she said: ''More women are conscious of the Breast Cancer Scourge in Nigeria because our awareness programmes are strategically designed to reach people from all walks of life ranging from the very educated elite, to the less educated and the market women. 

We sensitise women in both the rural and urban communities in Nigeria, and outside Nigeria" She also added: "Compared to when Pink Pearl Foundation was founded in 2007, Yes. The average Nigerian woman is more knowledgeable about breast cancer." On further probing about the end result of the awareness if women do turn up for breast cancer screen, she said: "In great numbers, yes, more women now turn up for screenings. Our Breast Cancer awareness market sensitisation programme which was held on February 4,2014 to mark the World Cancer Day is a proof. The screenings took place at Balogun and Oshodi markets simultaneously. We screened a total of 186 women on that day free". 

Moreover, October is the breast cancer month; National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. It's the time to make a difference, spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organisations, families, and individuals to get involved.

Most breast cancer are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but a total of 763 female breast cancer cases seen at Radiotherapy department at University College Hospital between 20th and 2006 were reviewed out of which 221 (28.96 per cent) were aged 40 years, African sciences journal reported. In this younger group, breast cancer is generally more aggressive, found at a later stage, and has lower survival rates, Another research finding in African Research review examined the trends in the prevalence of breast cancer in Lagos State, Nigeria. The results showed that the prevalence of the disease differs for different age groups while the age range 26 to 45 seems to have the highest prevalence. 

The reports showed that there is also evidence of steady increase most especially in 2007. Traders and housewives were found to have the highest prevalence of the disease. This is probably the group with low literacy rates and as such should be targeted for continuous education on the dangers and risk of breast cancer . 

• What are the symptoms? 

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include any change 

in the size or the shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood), and a new lump in the breast or underarm. If you have any signs that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away 

• How can I lower my risk? 

The main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer include being a woman, being older (most breast cancers are found in women who are SO years old or older), and having changes in your breast cancer genes (BRCAI and BRCA2). Most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors and no history of the disease in their families. There are things you can do to can help lower your breast cancer risk like eating right and exercises can also help. Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. 

However, Anita said it's not an outright bleak future for cancer sufferers in Nigeria She said: "It is a very bright future for cancer patients because over the years we have focused our attention on creating massive awareness of breast cancer and cervical cancer, gettingpeople to understand the concept of the scourge and preaching the message of early detection which is the only key to survival." 

BY BOLATITO ADEBAYO