Breast Cancer Facts and Myths

As a member of the breast screening unit of our local hospital, I conducted  a  research on the awareness, knowledge and attitude of the local women  towards breast cancer and breast screening. My findings showed a poor result. Many Nigerian women  have been afflicted by this disease yet many especially in rural areas are unaware of what it is. Some never heard of it. Most ridiculous where the myths locally associated with breast cancer. Early detection can save a life.

 Facts About Breast Cancer

-   Breast Cancer is one of the most dreaded conditions among women.

-  It is most common cancer in women, the leading cause of cancer death in developing countries and second leading cause in developed countries.... (Jemal, 2011)

- Globally, it is a major public health problem .

-   Every woman is at risk of developing it.

What Increases my chances of having breast cancer

-  Sex  (being female)

-   Age  (Getting older)

-  Positive family history (mother, sister or aunt died of breast cancer)

-   Obesity, especially after menopause

- Excessive smoking & alcoholism

-  Early onset of menses (before 12yrs)

-   Late menopause (after 55yrs)

- First child at late age

-   Nulliparity; never had a baby before

- Excessive use of Oral contraceptive & Hormone replacement therapy

                                                                                   (American Cancer Society, 2012)

Signs and Symptoms

·         Painless breast lump

·         Lump under armpit

·         Nipple discharge

·         Sores and wounds on breast

·         Change in breast size and shape

          Discoloration and dimpling of breast skin

·         Inversion/pulling in of nipple

Myths  (Wrong beliefs about breast Cancer)

·         Breast cancer affects women only

·         Its a disease of old women

·         Any lump or wound on breast is cancer

·         Woman with breast Cancer must die

·         Having large breast causes cancer

·         I can get cancer by touching someone who has it

·         Wearing tight bra can give me breast cancer

·         Spiritual forces, witches and wizards are the cause of cancer

PREVENTION is by early detection.

SCREENING; These are tests used to detect breast lumps or lesions on time, in women without symptoms. They include; mammography, breast ultrasound.

Every woman from 40 years and above should have her breasts screened at least once every year or every two years.
Women with family history should be more conscious of their breast health. 

BREAST AWARENESS:  is a woman becoming familiar with her own breast & the way they will change through out her life. (Thorton et al, 2008)

SELF BREAST EXAMINATION;  A woman can feel her breasts in an orderly manner and at regular internals for any lump or breast changes.

By Chioma Morah

REFERENCES

§  Thorton,H. Pillarisetti RR. (2008)‘Breast awareness’ & ‘breast self examination’ are not the same. Eur J Cancer (2008). doi: 10.1016/j)