Emma Elekwa
A lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof Stanley Anyanwu has called on women especially in Africa to present themselves early enough for breast cancer examination as a surest way to avert risks and survive.
Anyanwu, a Professor of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) made the call during the institution’s Second Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Stanley Bond Anyaehhe.
JAL is an academic lecture presented by academics who have been professors for over 25 years and still in active service.
In his paper presentation themed: ‘Silver Reflections, Golden Horizons: One Surgeon’s Lifesaving Legacy in Pioneering Breast Cancer Research and Care in Nigeria,” Anyanwu quipped:
“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.”
He listed factors contributory to late presentation of breast cancer to include negative symptoms interpretation, fear of possible consequences of the diagnosis, belief in alternative and complementary medicine.
Social relations and network
“Others are social relations and network, lack of trust and confidence in orthodox medicine and access to healthcare which may be physical or economic.
“Also in addition are “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,” he noted.
The medical expert further highlighted symptoms that could assist in early detection as cough, dyspnea, backache, weight loss, chest pain, and jaundice.
He equally observed less than one percent patients presented with ‘screen-detected’ lesions, while breast mass, pain, and nipple discharge remained the prevalent symptoms.
While insisting that breast cancer is not a death sentence, Anyanwu explained that it could be holistically tackled, adding that research and continuous research could help overcome breast cancer challenges.
“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 added.
