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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
A University Don in the Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, Prof Stanley Anyanwu has called on women especially in Africa to present themselves early enough for breast cancer examination as the surest way to avert risks and survive.
Anyanwu, a Professor of Surgical Oncology made the call in a paper presentation during the Second Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) of NAU, under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Stanley Bond Anyaehie. .
Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) is an academic lecture presented by academics who have been professors for over 25 years and still in active service.
Delivering a paper on the theme: ‘Silver Reflections, Golden Horizons: One Surgeon’s Lifesaving Legacy in Pioneering Breast Cancer Research and Care in Nigeria,” Anyanwu stressed: “If you present yourself early, we will treat you because it reduces the risk, but if you present late, there is nothing we can do about it.
Anyanwu listed such factors contributory to late presentation of breast cancer as: including negative symptoms interpretation, fear of possible consequences of the diagnosis, belief in alternative and complementary medicine.
The others are social relations and network, lack of trust and confidence in orthodox medicine and access to healthcare which may be physical or economic”.
In addition, he mentioned “belief in spirituality and spiritual linkage to disease, poverty and illiteracy on the part of the patients, as well as deceit of patients by quacks and missed diagnosis by some doctors is also contributory.”
The medical expert noted that symptoms that can help in early detection to include:cough, dyspnea, backache, weight loss, chest pain, and jaundice.
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He equally observed that less than one percent patients presented with ‘screen-detected’ lesions, while breast mass, pain, and nipple discharge remained the prevalent symptoms.
Anyanwu noted that breast cancer is not a death sentence, recommending that it can be holistically tackled. He contended that Government must invest in strengthening the health system in Nigeria.
“Clinicians must embrace innovation and team work, young surgeons should also choose compassion as boldly as they choose science, while society should break the silence around breast cancer.” he stated.
The Don asserted that research and continuous research can help overcome the problem of breast cancer.
