By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof Yusuf Dasilva has disclosed that men can also be affected by breast cancer and advised both genders to go for screening.
Dasilva stated this in Ilorin, during an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of a ‘Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness’, organized as part of the activities to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The programme is organized by the UITH in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
The theme of the Month is entitled: “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”
The CMD who was represented by Prof Bilyaminu Abayomi, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) 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 harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and 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 stigmatization on those with the disease.
He explained further that the sensitization is to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide a platform for dissemination of breast cancer information and sensitize people on the need to get screened, and early diagnosis which can save lives.
According to him, breast cancer is not a death sentence, as people can commence treatment if diagnosed early.
Also speaking, Dr Olushola Fasiku, the Consultant General Surgeon of UITH underscored the importance of creating awareness on 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 conceive myths and misconceptions on breast cancer, while insisting it is not a death sentence.
He added that there is treatment and people can live, while advising men to also go for screening.
In her reaction, Dr Mojirola Fasiku, a Consultant Public Health Physician of the Department of of Epidemiology and Community Health of UITH 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 the cancer.
She warned against stigmatization saying that the disease is not contagious.