Florence Udoh
5 November 2009
PFIZER Global Pharmaceuticals has enjoined all Nigerian women to screen themselves periodically for breast cancer so as to be protected from the debilitating effects of the ailment, saying that early detection saves lives.
"Breast cancer is the most notorious type of cancer; it causes monumental destruction to women's health, killing them in large numbers every year throughout the world. To draw attention to this ugly trend, a decision was taken by stakeholders in the fight against the disease that the month of October yearly should be dedicated to creating awareness on what women could do to prevent sudden death due to the most common cancerous disease," Pfizer said in a statement.
Women were again reminded of the need to self-examine their breasts or undergo mammogram test in order to discover early enough, cancerous lumps so as to stem the increasing scourge of the dreaded disease.
A Consultant Radiation Oncologist, University College Hospital Ibadan, Dr. Atara Ntekim who gave the advice at the breast cancer round table organized by Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals in Lagos recently, described cancer as abnormal growth of cells/tissues, occurring in any tissue capable of spreading to other parts of the body. He cited incidence rate in Nigeria for example as 34/100,000 population, saying it is presently the commonest type of cancer in the country.
Talking about characteristics of the disease, Atara said there are no identifiable risk factors in most patients. He however explained that incidence period can be 25 years of age and above, while the peak period could be 36-45 years.
October each year has been designated as breast cancer awareness month. This was started in 1985 by AstraZeneca in collaboration with American Academy of Family Physicians and other sponsors to promote Self Breast Examination (SBE) and mammogram, as well as regular clinical examination.
As part of awareness signs of the month, pink ribbon as symbol of breast cancer was instituted by Susan G. Komen foundation in 1991. It is now a worldwide symbol of the disease, signifying part of activities to increase awareness.
According to World Cancer Declaration Geneva 2008, in wealthy countries, despite increasing incidence, cancer survival rates are rising because more cancers are detected early and treated appropriately. But in contrast, incidence and mortality rates are rapidly increasing in poor countries with no significant improvement in survival.
Atara noted that public and professional ignorance about cancer warning signs, limited availability of early detection programmes and shortage of trained health professionals often turn cancers that might be curable if treated in time into killers.
To abate the spread of the disease, Atara advices that a National Cencer Institute should be created with appropriate legislations empowering it to establish cancer centres in all the states of the federation. He also suggested the establishment of a National Cancer Registry as well as a Directorate of Radiation Medicine in Federal and state ministries of health.
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