PM NEWS
The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) says the lack of early detection and treatment of breast cancer has kept the ailment as the leading cause of death among Nigerian women.
The National President of BRECAN, Mrs Tolu Taiwo, stated this in Ibadan on Saturday during a Breast Cancer Sensitisation programme.
Taiwo said the prevalence of cancer, especially breast cancer, has become so alarming that people in their 20s are now living with the disease.
“Many more of such were detected late when the disease has advanced and could not be cured,” she said.
Taiwo said this situation led to the yearly “Jog for Life” campaign and the various activities of the association with market women, Primary Healthcare Centres and schools.
“Now we have teenagers with lumps in their breasts, unlike before. Our message now is that if you detect anything early, you cry out early.
“And when you treat early, you will definitely be fine,” she said.
Taiwo lamented the poor attitude of Nigerians to self-breast examination and medical checks because people still present stage three or four level cancer which ought not to be.
She said the goal was that Nigerians should present stage zero to stage one of cancer where their lives could be saved.
“It should not be at a later stage which will only require palliative care.”
