2015 World Cancer Day- Education on Breast Cancer by Dr Beatrice Adetoro

- February 09, 2015

February 4th of every year has been declared as World Cancer Day, a day used to gather and debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease and also to discuss ways to prevent and treat the disease.

It is on that note that we took a step and visited a Cancer Screening Centre in Lagos, Healing Stripes Cancer Screening and Diagnostics Centre.

We met with the Doctor in Residence: Doctor Beatrix Adetoro Davies-Tuase and she gave us an insight on Breast Cancer, before then, let me share a little on the Cancer Screening Centre.

ABOUT US

The centre was commissioned by the G.O of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A Adeboye on the 5th of June, 2011 although operations didn’t start until October of the same year. Healing stripes appointed Dr Femi Olaleye as clinical Director of Healing Stripes to manage and deliver services at healing stripes from October 2012 - 30th November 2012. 1st December 2012 – 6th February 2013 Healing Stripes was managed by Dr Niyi Fagbuyi and since then been managed by Dr Beatrice Adetoro till date.

Having seen that the Healing Stripes Cancer Screening and Diagnostics Centre is a world class Cancer Screening Centre, I want to urge every reader to take urgent step to go for a screening.

Below is the resources she gave us on Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer originating from the breast tissue most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.

1. Education, early diagnosis and excellent clinical care are to be continually emphasized, if breast cancer is of concern.

2. Do you know that breast screening saves lives

3. A lump in the breast, change in skin color or texture, skin dimpling, change in how the nipple looks, clear or bloody fluid that leaks out of the nipple are all signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

4. More than 80% of breast cancers are discovered when a lump is felt, of all lumps discovered fewer than 20% are cancerous.

5. Lumps found in lymph nodes located in the armpits can also indicate breast cancer.

6. The following are indicators of breast cancer:

-Lump

-Thickening in the breast and/or armpit of the breast (different texture from the other breast tissue or skin)

-One breast becoming larger or lower than the other

-A nipple changing position or shape or becoming inverted.

- Skin puckering or dimpling

- A rash on or around the nipple

-Discharge from the nipple

-Constant pain in the breast or armpit

-Swelling beneath the armpit or around the collar bone.

7. There is a possibility of breast cancer at almost any age; however the peak age for breast cancer is 40-59years.

8. The primary risk factors for breast cancer are :

-female sex

- Age (40-59 years)

-genetics

-lack of childbearing

-lack of breast feeding

-higher levels of certain hormones

-obesity

-certain dietary patterns

-certain life style

-use of contraceptives

-Not examining the breast regularly

9. Do you know that smokers are at increased(35-50%) risk of breast cancer

10. Lack of physical activity has been linked to have 10% of cases of breast cancer

11. There is a relationship between diet and breast cancer, including an increased risk with a high fat diet, alcohol intake and obesity.

12. Genetics is believed to be the primary cause of 5-10% of all breast cancer. The more number of affected relatives the higher the risk of breast cancer. In less than 5% of breast cancer cases; genetics play a more significant role by causing hereditary breast- ovarian cancer syndromes. This includes those who carry the BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 gene mutation. These mutations account for up to 90% of the total genetic influence with a risk of breast cancer of 60-80% in those affected.

13. Breast Cancer, like other cancers occurs because of an interaction between an environmental (external) factor and a genetically (internal) susceptible host.

14. Normal cells divide as many times as needed and stop, they attach to other cells and stay in their place (in tissues), and at an appropriate time they die. Cells become cancerous when they lose their ability to stop dividing, to attach to other cells, to stay where they belong and to die at the proper time

15. Are you aware that lack of childbirth is a major risk factor for breast cancer

16. It is has been proven that suckling of the breast helps prevent breast cancer

17. A common reaction to serious illness in the family or to bereavement is to feel more vulnerable to the same disease. If you can’t stop worrying, you may find it helpful to see a doctor or call 08088911388 for details of local counseling services.

Photos of free screening being embarked by the Centre: