NIGERIA. KOGI STATE: According to the Dove-Haven Foundation (DHF), more than 2.3 million women worldwide have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and at least 700,000 have died. In Nigeria today, four of every five cancer patients survive the disease for less than five years.
Dr Ekundayo Samuel, Executive Director of DHF, stated in Kogi State that breast cancer is now considered one of the leading cancer types after lung cancer globally.
“As of today, four out of five cancer patients in Nigeria barely survive the disease within five years,” he said, adding that “despite the lack of accurate data, breast cancer is still the leading cancer type in Nigeria, and many people die from the disease every year.”
Samuel went on to say that the primary goal of DHL is to provide rural residents with the necessary access and knowledge about cancer care and treatments.
Dr Alhassan Umar Adamu, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, was also present and noted that Nigeria has very few professionals (Clinical Oncologists) to match the country’s large number of cancer patients.
As a result, Adamu urged the government, wealthy individuals, and international organisations to invest more in cancer treatment because it has claimed many lives in the past and continues to do so.
However, according to a National Cancer Institute (NCI) study, females diagnosed with breast cancer have a five-year survival rate.
Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women have a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women.
Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer develops as a result of genetic mutations, DNA damage caused by oestrogen exposure, inherited defects, or cancer-causing genes.
Breast cancer typically begins in the inner lining of the milk ducts or the lobules that supply milk. It can then spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of cancer
According to medical news today, the first sign of breast cancer is usually a thickened area of tissue in the breast, a lump in the breast, or an armpit.
The pain in the armpits or breasts does not change with the monthly cycle.
“Pitting, similar to the surface of an orange, or colour changes, such as redness, on the skin of the breast. A rash on or near one nipple.”
Cancer treatment
Breast cancer treatment includes:
Radiation therapy
Biological Therapy
Surgery
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy.
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