Still on Breast Cancer .............

Today is the monthly clinic day for enlightenment on breast cancer by the community clinic. As I walked past them, I took notice of a very radiant woman on the podium, she had a permanent smile on her face as she spoke. She is a survivor of breast cancer and she told her story: Few months before now, she had observed pain in her right breast that would not go away for about a week, she waited three more days and then went to see her doctor. Several tests were carried out on her and it was confirmed that she had cancerous tumor growing in her right breast. It was in its early stage and immediate treatment commenced. Today, she was invited to speak to women particularly to enlighten them on the importance of being conscious of your body and the changes that occur. “Breast cancer can be cured by early detection and prompt treatment.” she said as she rounded up her speech and stepped down the podium.

Unfortunately, the reverse is the case for many people, especially in the African society where apart from the fact that cancer is a disease with so much myth around it, community health care in most rural areas is either almost non-existent or not up to standard. These are the main reasons why mortality rates due to breast cancer in the African society remains high. Also, a lot of people are still not well informed as regards the issue of breast cancer; symptoms, treatment. The level of awareness is really low especially in the rural area.

There is need the for us as individuals to know the signs to look out for, not that we become paranoid but to ensure that we are fully aware of our bodies and the changes that occur in them.

Early symptoms that characterize the onset of breast cancer in the human body could be a swelling in the breast area or a lump in the breast, around the collarbone or underarm. The breast tissues extend to the underarms and collar bone region.  Any swelling or lump around the breast region including the collarbone and underarms region should be investigated. Truly not all lumps mean cancer. Some lumps can be due to less severe conditions like breast infection, damaged tissues, and noncancerous tumor. However it is important that all lumps be investigated.

Other early symptoms include itchiness, skin irritation, redness or soreness of the breast, unusual nipple discharges that is clear, red or brown, swelling of the nipples, change in the shape or appearance of nipple, swelling of the breast or breast pain that does not go away after your period and other unusual changes that may occur.

Later symptoms of breast cancer include visible veins in the breast, unusual enlargement of one breast, vaginal pain, inward turning of the nipples, dimpling of breast surface, unintentional weight loss. Jaundice, double vision, nausea, bone pains, loss of appetite, muscle weakness and shortness of breath.

It is important to note that breast cancer is not just a disease for women. Men also are affected by breast cancer, though it is quite rare. Symptoms in men include: thickness of breast tissue, redness or scaling of the nipple, nipple discharge, unexplained itchiness, redness, and rash on the skin of the breast, and irritation of the breast or nipples.

These symptoms however do not imply a 100% presence of cancerous cells. It is however risky not to investigate them as presence of cancerous cells is characterized by these symptoms.

It is important that regularly, breast examinations are undertaken. One of the most popular forms of breast examination is physical breast examination which can be done by self or by your doctor. Physical breast examination involves examining the breast and nipples for any form of unusual occurrence, changes in the skin surrounding the breast region up to the collarbone and underarm regions, and also checking for presence of lumps. Research has however not shown that physical breast examinations are really beneficial. It is advised however that women know what is normal for them as regards their breast and be vigilant to note/detect any changes.

Another category of breast examination is imaging and x-ray tests. Types of breast examination in this class include MRI (an imaging test for examining the breast tissues), Mammogram (an x-ray examination to distinguish between malignant and benign mass), Biopsy (extracting small amount of breast tissue for tests).

Screening tests for breast cancer can help to detect the cancer even before it is felt or long before physical signs can be detected.

Hence it is being advocated that women older than age 40 years get a mammogram annually.

What happens if per adventure it is confirmed that cancerous cells exist in the body? The next step is immediate treatment. The treatments adopted by most doctors include: Hormone therapy, radiation using x-rays for direct treatment of the cancer cells, chemotherapy (use of anti-cancer drugs), mastectomy (surgical removal of all of the affected breast and connecting tissues). Treatment of breast cancer is however dependent on the stage of the cancer.  

If you notice any of the symptoms above in your body during the process of any one of these examinations, do not hesitate to visit a clinic or hospital close by for treatment and support. There is also the chance of recurrence of breast cancer in a patient even after treatment. Hence the need to remain vigilant.

We must not forget to create awareness and tell people about breast cancer.

Together, by each person playing their role, we can combat breast cancer in Africa.
Written By: Paul Ozioma