Oncologist wants plan for breast cancer reduction

breast cancer

An illustration to show breast cancer growth

A radiation oncologist, Dr Lola Salako, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to map out a five-year strategy to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer.

Salako, Founder, Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre, made the call in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Saturday.

She said that breast cancer was not found only among older women, but also younger women below age 35 could also have the disease.

“The fight against breast cancer is ongoing in Nigeria, however, we need to improve breast cancer care and reduce its mortality rate.

“Stakeholders need to sit at a round table and map out a five year strategy on how we can control and manage cancer,” Salako said.

She said stakeholders should not leave out the civil society organisations, cancer survivors, and private organisations in launching the initiative.

Salako also said that existing facilities like the cancer registry and treatment centre, needed to be equipped and adequately funded for effective fight against “the epidemic”.

An illustration to show breast cancer growth
An illustration to show breast cancer growth

The oncologist stressed the importance of early detection and presentation of breast cancer in the effort to reduce its mortality rate.

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She said that many breast cancer patients in the country do not get the right treatment on time because they report to the hospitals with advanced stage of the disease.

“More women presently seeking treatment for breast cancer, many of these cases are already in stage three or four.

“We need to let our women know the importance of early detection and timely presentation to the appropriate doctor, increases the chance of survival.

“Early detection and presentation will help us offer them the best treatment and also have better outcome,” she said.

Salako advised women to be familiar with the shape, size and feel of their breasts at all time.

According to her, regular breast self examination, regular clinical screening and having a knowledge of family history were important factors in early detection of breast cancer.

World Health Organisation (WHO) in a report on breast cancer said, “Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control”.

According to the organisation, breast cancer is the top cancer in women worldwide, and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages.

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