1 month ago
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University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Professor Abdullah Yussuf, has urged both men and women to prioritise regular cancer screenings, stressing that men are also at risk of developing breast cancer.
Yussuf stated this in Ilorin on Monday during a programme on ‘Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness’, organised as part of the activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
The programme is organised by UITH in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, with the theme “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”
Speaking in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the programme, the CMD, who was represented by Professor Bilyaminu Abayomi, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UITH, explained that breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
According to him, certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including increasing age and obesity.
Others, he said, are the harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as the age at which menstrual periods began and the age at first pregnancy), tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
The CMD said the theme “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone” is apt, as it helps to raise awareness and drive behaviour change against the stigmatisation of those with the disease.
“Cancer is a dangerous disease that can affect human beings and does not discriminate against gender; it is not only women who should go for screening, but males should also endeavour to go for periodic screening for early detection of cancer and be sure of their status,” he counselled.
He explained further that the sensitisation is to facilitate knowledge sharing, provide a platform for the dissemination of breast cancer information, and sensitise people on the need to get screened, as early diagnosis can save lives.
According to him, breast cancer is not a death sentence, as people can commence treatment if diagnosed early.
Also speaking, the Consultant General Surgeon of UITH, Dr Olushola Fasiku, underscored the importance of creating awareness about breast cancer.
He stated that it is the leading cause of cancer death in women, adding that over 2 million cases are recorded yearly globally.
Fasiku observed that people still hold on to myths and misconceptions about breast cancer while insisting it is not a death sentence.
He added that there is treatment available, and people can live, while advising men to also go for screening.
In her reaction, a Consultant Public Health Physician of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of UITH, Dr Mojirola Fasiku, said one in every eight women will get breast cancer.
She observed that the disease is on the rise while calling on all stakeholders to support those with cancer.
She warned against the stigmatisation of cancer patients, saying that the disease is not contagious.
