Breast Cancer; The Sad Truth

With about 13,000 women dying of breast cancer annually in Nigeria, medical experts, cancer survivors and other stakeholders in cancer care have said that early detection and prompt treatment is key to surviving breast cancer.
Speaking during a 10 kilometer walk to mark this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the 20th anniversary of the Care Organization Public Enlightenment, COPE, in Lagos, they lamented late
presentation of breast cancer patients at the hospital.
Addressing hundreds of participants during the walk which kicked off around 7:00am Saturday from the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, GRA , Ikeja to Maryland and back, Chief Executive Officer, COPE, Mrs Ebunola Anozie identified late presentation, lack of special fund and comprehensive cancer centre as major factors contributing to low survival rates in the country.

“Our aim she said is solely to raise awareness about breast cancer as part of efforts to reduce the mortality of breast cancer in Nigeria. Early detection can cure breast cancer and reduce the mortality rate from the disease.

On treatment challenges face by cancer patients in Nigeria, Anozie appealed to the Federal government to build a comprehensive cancer centre to aid treatment of patients. According to her, a comprehensive cancer centre would reduce brain drain as well as stop the mad rush to other countries for treatment.

Our government should please heed to their advice, as this will save the lives of Nigerian women.

Change!!!