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Tag: breast

  • FG vows to stamp out breast ironing practice

    FG vows to stamp out breast ironing practice

    The Federal Government has vowed to stamp out breast ironing in the country.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who condemned the practice, reiterated her efforts to scale up plans to eradicate the barbaric act.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye said this during an advocacy and sensitisation visit to the Garki Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Council along with some top management staff of the Ministry.

    Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Ohaeri Joseph, made this known in a statement.

    According to him, the Minister said the ancient traditional practice, which falls among gender-based violence against the female gender, solicited the partnership of the District Heads and other local authorities towards eradicating the practice which negates the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at improving the welfare of women and the girl child.

    She said, “The purpose of her visit was to further sensitise the community on the consequences of breast ironing, which is being practised on some young girls as traditional rites meant to prevent early male attraction to them.

    “These practices are totally unacceptable and form part of condemnable and harmful practices against the female gender which must be stamped out.

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    “This age-long tradition could lead to cancer on the affected girls as it is capable of leading to nipple challenges in their future life as well as the production of sour breast milk for their infants, which is dangerous to the growth and development of new born babies.”

    Ohanenye observed that empirical studies have shown that such traditional practices are behind time and that it behoves the chiefdom, religious leaders as well as the government to ensure that such rites become a thing of the past.

    She therefore urged the Council to join hands with government by taking the campaign against the practice to the people at the grassroots, even as her Ministry works out modalities to integrate the communities into its sustainable empowerment programmes that will improve their livelihood, which according to her, will take off in the month of January 2024.

  • NASS appropriates special fund for cervical, breast, prostate cancers, says Tejuoso

    The 8th National Assembly has appropriated money for the support and financing of treatment by people suffering from cervical, breast and prostate cancers.

    The special fund would come under Catastrophic Health Fund to support the financing of the three top range of cancers in Nigeria.

    The fund will be available only for those deemed poor and vulnerable.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, made this known to reporters during free medical fair in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday.

    Tejuoso, who is the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, added that the Senate passed the remarkable laws for the very first time in the history of Nigeria.

    The senator, who was represented by his media aide, Toba Ogunremi, said the impactful laws were passed under his leadership of Health Committee of the 8th National Assembly.

    He noted that he is also responsible for the law passage of the Pharmacy Act and Non Communicable Diseases.

    He maintained that the Eighth Assembly of which he has been part of, appropriated for the first time the BHCPF in the 2018 appropriation

    He said: “It is important to emphasize that this was not included in the appropriation estimates submitted to the National Assembly in 2018.

    ”I want to tell you that the National Assembly is in the final process of passing the legislative framework that will make Health Insurance mandatory in Nigeria.”

    He noted that the Federal Capital Territory, health insurance and SPHCDA are also included.

    According to him, the National Assembly revised the PCN Act to support task shifting endeavors and also to promote private investments in the pharma sector.

    He said: “Sustained financing for immunization and nutrition, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, has a USD250M financing to address stunting and counterpart funding for UNICEF for RUTF fully paid.”

    He lamented the inadequate physicians employed in both public and private health facilities, saying that according to ”the World Health Organisation (WHO), the ideal requirement in doctor-patient ratio should be one doctor to 600 patients; but it is pathetic that one doctor presently attends to more than 6,000 patients in this country”.

     

  • ‘Women without natural breast can live a normal life’ –Radiologist

    IN an interview with the radiologist and coordinator, One Stop Breast Clinic, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Caleb Yakubu, he reveals how the clinic is assisting indigent women in the society who had breast cancer to live normal lives.

    The clinic is called One Stop because it is a multi-disciplinary therapy clinic which is specifically for breast cancer patients. According to Yakubu, breast cancer is the commonest malignancy cancer in women. “Women die of the disease because they lack early detection and proper management, rather they present the disease late, but once it is detected early, (1st stage) the woman can still live a normal life,” he said. According to him, mastectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. It is usually carried out to treat breast cancer. “A mastectomy bra is the perfect companion for women who’ve undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery. They are designed with full cups for a natural look and feel normal again as well as to remove stigma attached to losing one’s breast. An African woman believes that so long as she has her breasts, she is still a woman. Well, it is beyond that; even without your breasts, you can still live a normal life. At whatever stage it is detected, the best place to come is the clinic. Even if you are diagnosed late, there is still hope. Here, we make life worthwhile for them and help them live a normal life,” said Yakubu.

    Speaking of how mastectomy bra works, Yakubu said it is specially designed for women who have undergone a mastectomy, or a lumpectomy, and can be worn with breast prostheses. Post surgical bras are made with specially designed discreet pockets inside the cups. Some mastectomy bras will only have a pocket in one cup, while others have pockets on both cups. Most of the post surgical bras that we carry are “bilateral” – meaning the breast prosthesis can be placed in either or both cups.

    “A quality mastectomy bra is more than just a traditional bra with added pockets. A mastectomy bra should offer enough coverage to secure your breast form, soft materials for sensitive skin and lightweight support. Most post-surgical bras have no underwires. Because of their amazing comfort, women who have not had breast surgery but who are uncomfortable in regular bras should consider mastectomy styles. These bras also work well if you have naturally uneven breasts and would like to wear padding on one side,” he said. Some breast forms are designed to be attached directly to the body, but others fit into a specially designed mastectomy bra.

    The healing process is very important after undergoing a mastectomy, and comfort is an absolute necessity. Immediately after surgery, your doctor will most likely recommend wearing a compression bra or sports bra. “Do not switch to regular mastectomy bras until they are recommended by your physician. When buying a mastectomy bra, you will choose your cup size based on the larger breast. I highly recommend a professional bra fitting after mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction to determine your new bra size, as well as your prosthesis size,” he warned.

    “At One Stop Breast Clinic, a radiologist is available to examine the breast with an ultrasound machine, and with microscope, the breast surgeons are on ground to evaluate the patient, then the oncologist (specialist that treats cancer), after which diagnosis is made and the mode of treatment is agreed upon,” he said.

    Speaking further, he said, “rather than sending the patient back and forth, in this clinic diagnosis is made within three hours and patients will get the treatment as fast as possible. There are so many success stories recorded within three years of inception.  During our first anniversary in 2017, we had over a thousand survivors. We attend to patients here once you have your referral.

    “Rather than going to the mountain or herbalists, once you have breast cancer please come to us, we have some patients who finished their treatment within one month.”

    Yakubu, however, lamented that funding is still a major problem. “There are still lots of indigent women who cannot afford the anti-cancer drugs and the surgeries. There are times we have to do the ultrasound for them free and even the surgery when they don’t have the money.  We call on well-meaning Nigerians to donate to the clinic,” he concluded.

  • AXA Mansard Health, others move against breast cancer

    AXA Mansard Health Limited, a leading health insurance provider and its partners African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP) and Alliance Hospital, Abuja have showed their commitment to tackling breast cancer by sponsoring a breast cancer seminar.

    It was titled: ‘Current trends in the management of breast cancer.’

    The event featured the education on breast cancer and its management.

    An oncologist Dr Bisi Ademuyiwa listed strategies on preventing cancer, handling triple negative breast cancers, global best practices and emerging new trends in breast cancer treatment.

    She dispelled myths and  tales about the nature, causes, spread and treatment of breast cancer.

    Dr. Ademuyiwa also consulted with 40 breast cancer patients at the Alliance Hospital, Garki, Abuja.

    This was in line with AXA Mansard’s focus on the needs of the  women, and its SHE (Super Heroes Everyday) Initiative, through which the firm demonstrates its understanding of the woman – her nature,  needs, goals and achievements.

    The SHE initiative identifies how important the woman is and proffers solutions to her challenges.

    AXA Mansard Health Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tope Adeniyi said: ” Breast cancer is beyond just a health issue; it has social and economic implications on its victims, their families and their societies. We will, therefore, continue to be an active participant in the fight against the deadly scourge.”

    Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. It kills about half a million of them yearly due to insufficient medical care and awareness about the disease.

  • Niger traders screened for breast, cervical cancers

    Niger traders screened for breast, cervical cancers

    Wife of Niger State Governor, Dr. Amina Bello has conducted free breast and cervical cancer screening on over 500 women traders.

    The exercise which took place at the Kure Ultra-modern Market, Minna, the state capital, cost N3.7 million

    The three-day free medical screening which was organised by her non-governmental organisation, RAiSE Breast and Cervical Screening Centre, and conducted by her team, was to ensure that market women benefited in large numbers.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Amina Bello, who was represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Aisha Wakaso, told the gathering that the governor’s wife’s concern about the health of women and children informed the decision to embark on the exercise.

    While urging women within the state capital and outside to present themselves for the exercise, Dr. Amina said, “After this three days free screening, it will attract the sum of N7,000 for any woman coming to the Centre to be screened. I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure. Women don’t have to suffer and die needlessly. I urge women across the state not only in Chanchaga Local Government to come out in their number. We brought the exercise to the market because there was low turnout in the earlier ones we did.”

    The council chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, Alhaji Yusuf Fuka who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Surajo Ismaila appreciated the governors’ wife for chosing his council to conduct the screening while pledging the commitment of the council to assist future screening to ensure that breast and cervical cancers can be nipped in the bud.

    Also, the Director, Family Health Care, Fati Garba commended Dr. Bello for being at the fore front on matters that pertained to women, not only in Niger state, but all over the country, “ Her firm belief on issue of these two group of people is the reason why we are here, today.”

    Some beneficiaries after being screening thanked the first lady for the kind gesture calling for the need for intensive advertisements, so that women can avail themselves of the free medical screening.

    Mrs. Florence Anthony, leader of women cosmetics sellers and Halima Yusuf, who heard of the free exercise said they were happy the governor’s wife conducted the screening, adding, “This is the first time to benefit from her programmes. We are grateful; our screening is okay.”

     

  • Cancer of breast: Avoiding the Shadow of Death

    Last week, we discussed the causes of cancer and we discussed that cancer, to a large extent can be prevented. Cancer can also be treated if caught early enough. In today’s article, we will be looking at cancer of the breast in women.

    The Anatomy (Structure of the Breast)

    The human breast consists of fatty tissues, some strands of muscles and overlaid by skin. The dark part of the breast in front often at the centre of a fully grown breast is called areola and the projected teat at the centre of the areola is called the nipple.  The size of breasts varies in different individuals, regardless of race. The breast grows from about the age of  9 years in most girls until about the age of 18.  This growth is fuelled by the hormone called estrogen. Along with the hormone called progesterone and some others estrogen is responsible for the monthly menstrual period in women.

     

    The functions and purposes of the female breast

    The female breast serves a number of purposes. Amongst these, the most important function of the female breast is to nourish the new born. That is, to supply a well-balanced food containing water, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. Even without any other external food supply, the milk from the breast can sustain a new born baby for complete calendar months.

    The other function of the breast is a social one. The breast by virtue of its location is an object of beauty and hence an object that attract the male to the female.  This very act is geared towards attempt to reproduce.

     

    Cancer of the breast

    Cancer of the breast is the commonest cancer in women. Generally speaking, the core culprit causing cancer of the breast is estrogen, yet it’s a necessary hormone that helps to maintain the female appearance.

    However, there are risk factors that tend to make some women to develop cancer of the breast and put them at higher risk than others. Some of these are:

    • A family risk or history of cancer of the breast
    • Not ever breast fed babies. The less baby that the breast has breast-fed; the higher tend to be the risk.
    • No history of advanced pregnancy (progesterone tend to shield the breast from the harmful effect • No exercise/obesity
    • Oral contraceptive pills especially the ones that contain high amount of estrogen and menopause.
    • Poor nutritional habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol.
    • Environmental factors that tend to change the genetic make-up of the individual.

     

    Manifestation of cancer of the breast

    Usually there is a lump or growth which may often be felt by the individual or clinical examiner. If notice or care is not taken, the growth becomes bigger and spread to other areas. There could be ulceration of the skin from the growth area. There could be discharge from the nipple or bleeding. The covering skin of the breast could be distorted and appear like orange skin. The armpit on the affected side, could be involved and become swollen (lymphadenopathy). In very rare situation, the signs described above may not so be obvious until it’s too late.

     

    Prevention

    The key to it all is vigilance. A simple once-a-week self-examination of the breasts could safe life. Health professionals could teach women how to conduct this examination. Doctors and nurses can also examine the breast from time to time. In suspicious cases and in every woman above 40-years, mammography once a year is recommended. This can be combined with sonography if required. I once had a woman as a patient who developed cancer of the breast which according to her, she said she thought she had a “boil.”  By the time I saw and referred her to senior colleagues, it was too late. The cancer had spread beyond redemption. The key message therefore is for both men and women as well as couples to be super vigilant. Treat all growths in the breast and armpit with great suspicion.  Age is no longer a factor.

    In women (and men with family history of prostate cancer) who has a family history of breast cancer, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, it’s highly recommended that they have a genetic test (BRAC1 and BRAC2) done to reveal their vulnerability to breast cancer.

     

    Treatment

    Anyone who has a breast growth, changes in skin colour of the area round the nipple (areola area) or abnormal discharge should contact a qualified doctor as a soon as possible for assessment. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of or the whole of the breast or both breasts. Other treatments include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

  • First one-shop breast, gynaecology centre now in Lagos

    First one-shop breast, gynaecology centre now in Lagos

    Women have been told not to ignore any changes in their breasts. Rather, they should quickly call the attention of their doctor to it for thorough medical examination.

    Experts gynaecology, oncology, and wellness including the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode,  represented by Ogun State Governor’s wife Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; her Oyo State colleague Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and that of Ondo State Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor, gave the admonition at the opening of the Breast and Gynaecological Centre on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, was also represented.

    Breast and Gynae Centre  is owned by Reddington Healthcare Group, GE (General Electric) and the UK consortium of specialist gynaecologists, radiologists and breast surgeons.

    It promised to provide a one-stop shop for breast care, gynaecology, wellness care and other speciality care.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adeyemi Onabowale, said prayers were good and worked, but early detection of changes in one’s breast could save one from further damage.

    “And that is part of the reasons this centre is put in place. Women, specifically, will be able to have all the medical attention under a roof. There is no one stop shop across the entire nation, and that is part of the reason women’s health is not being handled in Nigeria according to international standard. This centre has high-end technology matched with highly exposed and experienced professionals. It is a team of expatriates.

    “Another reason is that breast tumour and other gynaecological concerns are not restricted to age, as young girls, as young as 20 years were treated of breast tumours. Breast pathology is important for the right, timely detection, which can be  treated through technology,’’ said  Onabowale.

    Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo said she was happy that Reddington Hospital was inaugurating the state-of-the-art medical centre, dedicated to women health, borne out of a mission to provide advanced, high quality, restorative, wellness and aesthetic care to women at all stages of their life.

    “Doctors are like soldiers who protect and keep us saved from diseases and untimely death. Hospitals should be properly equipped. It is like giving soldiers armoury to go to war. I am told, well-trained doctors are manning the place,” she said.

    Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the centre would turn the tide of breast and gynaecological care treatment in Nigeria. She said: “As a breast cancer survivor for 20 years, I realised that awareness is essential across all levels of women. We need to make our women listen and know what steps to take when it comes to breast-care; hence they resort to praying mountain. Awareness is very important. I enjoined governments at all levels to please make treatment most available, accessible and affordable.”

    Mrs Amosun enjoined women to visit good centres, adding that the Breast and Gynaecological Centre was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

    Breast and Gynaecological Centre Medical Director, Dr Charles Iwuala said the hospital was built by his organisation with GE Healthcare, the primary supplier of equipment for the centre, and a United Kingdom (UK)-based specialist team of gynaecologists, radiologists and breast surgeons.

    “The Breast and Gynaecological centre will provide a full range of high quality and personalised healthcare services ranging from women’s health, including a Gynaecology Clinic, a Breast Health Clinic to a Women’s Wellness Clinic.

    “Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, the Centre will offer services covering fibroid, infertility care, menopausal health, pelvic health, hysteroscopy, and simple office procedures.

    ‘’The Breast Health Clinic will offer services on preventive breast care, curative breast care and aesthetic breast care. The Women Wellness Clinic services will include nutrition and general wellness, Hormone Wellness, Skin Wellness, Heart Wellness, Cancer Early detection and Prevention and Optimal-Aging Wellness.”

    Reddington Hospital Group Medical Director,  Dr Olutunde Lalude said in keeping with the Reddington’s tradition of being the front runner in medical breakthroughs in the country, the Breast and Gynaecological Centre boasts of cutting-edge technology never seen before in West Africa.

    ‘’They include a 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography), a 3D Automatic Breast Ultrasound System (3D ABUS), a 3D Digital Breast Streotaxic Biopsy System (3D Stereo), a 3D MRI with 1.5 Tesla GE Explorer Technology.

    “Of note, about the 3D Automatic Breast Ultrasound System (3D ABUS) is its anticipated improved ability to detect tiny cancers that cannot be seen on a mammogram alone in women. It is believed ABUS will become an integral part of medical practice for the detection of breast cancer.

    Other novel equipment of the Breast and Gynae Centre is the Vascular Embolisation Suite for Uterine Artery Embolisation, Digital Colposcopy, Optical Imaging Technology for Cervical Cancer Screening, Digital Bone Densitometry, and a 4D Gynaecology Ultrasound System (with 4D transvaginal ultrasound capability).

    Also, there is a state-of-the-art theatre for day surgery and other mini- gynaecological and breast surgeries.”

    Dr Iwuala said the centre serves as a model for the future of women’s health care, by weaving all-round women’s health services, robust client education and innovative technologies.

    “With our philosophy of providing compassionate and respectful care, the Breast and Gynaecological Centre will journey with our women through every stage of life – from puberty through menopause and golden years, as we strive to give them the best comprehensive healthcare available,” he explained.

    The guest speaker Dr. Paul Crowe, is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist based in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), with special interests in vascular and urological radiology and uterine artery embolisation for fibroids.

    He undertakes ultrasound, CT and MRI scanning and interventional radiology procedures. He is a Specialist Consultant with the Breast and Gynae Centre.

  • Skye Bank, COPE partner on free breast cancer screening

    Skye Bank, with a non-governmental organisation, COPE Foundation, is  offering free breast cancer screening to the public.

    The event, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday July 23 from 8am to 5pm at the NGO’s office at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, is intended to stem the growing incidence of the scourge through early detection and treatment of the disease.

    The bank said in a statement that to take advantage of this opportunity, interested customers are required to pre-register on www.skyebankng.com/skyepearl/free-breast-cancer-screening<http://www.skyebankng.com/skyepearl/free-breast-cancer-screening>.

    Skye Bank has in the last three to four years sponsored over 30 indigent cancer patients for treatment in addition to providing free screening programmes for over 10,000 women within and outside Lagos. The prevalence of the scourge in younger women and the late presentation is still on the increase.

    The bank said it is committed to supporting worthy social causes in the health sector to improve the wellbeing and healthcare of Nigerians, noting that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

  • VC’s wife sensitises women on breast cancer

    Wife of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Gladys Ahaneku, has held a public lecture on breast cancer.

    Tagged: Creating breast cancer awareness among Nigerian women and putting a stop to sexualisation of breast cancer, the event was attended by staff and students, including medical professionals. It was held at the university auditorium.

    The guest lecturer and Head, Unit of Breast Multidisciplinary at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Prof Stanley Anyanwu, said many women die of breast cancer yearly, noting that the disease could be caused by genetic disorder and exposure to dangerous radiation.

    Anyanwu, who is president of Nigerian Oncologic Society, said some cancer could be cured, stressing that breast cancer was not restricted to women alone. He said 1.4 per cent of males have chances to suffer breast cancer.

    The professor of Surgery and Breast Oncology advised women to go for regular medical check-up to prevent the disease. He also told participants to report suspected case to the hospital for attention.

    The VC, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, hailed the organisers for what he called “innovative programme” aimed at sensitising members of the university community on ways to prevent cancer.

    If people are educated on the causes of breast cancer, Prof Ahaneku said, the disease can be prevented.

    The convener, Dr Ahaneku, expressed satisfaction on the turnout at the seminar, urging women to spread the message to their respective communities.

    Highpoint was the free test for breast cancer on the participants.

  • ‘Water not necessary for breast milk infants’

    ‘Water not necessary for breast milk infants’

    Mothers  have been advised against giving water to babies in their first six months when they are being exclusively breastfed.

    Experts, including nutritionists and paediatricians, gave this piece of advice at a symposium in Enugu.

    The event, with the theme: ‘’The nutrition wisdom of infant feeding choices’’, was organised by Promasidor Nigeria.

    The experts, which included the President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof Ngozi Nnam; President, Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr, Ngozi Ibeziako; a retired Deputy Director/Head of Nursing, Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital in Anambra State, Mrs. Stella Umunna and former National President, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Dr. Patrick Eze, said breast milk contains water, fat, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, some hormones, enzymes, growth factors, essential fatty acids and immunological factors that play vital roles for adequate development and growth of the child.

    They advised that mothers should be supported by their husbands, mothers-in-laws, the government and others in the society to exclusively breastfeed their babies in the first six months and to apply wisdom in introducing complementary feeding.

    According to Nnam, exclusive breastfeeding is a nutritional source for infants for the first six months of life because breast milk contains all the essential nutrients, bio-active compounds and anti-infective factors needed by the infant to grow.

    According to her, the nutrients  in breast milk can promote optimal growth and development of infants.

    “Mothers should understand that the composition of breast milk has been designed by nature to provide all the nutrient needs of the infant, make for easy digestion and assimilation by infants,” she added.

    Mrs. Umunna drummed support for enlightenment campaigns for women and their husbands on the importance of breastfeeding, “They should be made to understand that water is not necessary when a child is being exclusively breastfed in the first six months,” she said.

    Dr Ibeziako restated this, adding that parents should understand that 80 percent of breast milk is water. “I will also appeal to health workers to assist in informing women on the benefits of breastfeeding while also advocating for baby-friendly hospitals and work places,” she stated.

    Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Kachi Onubogu said the company produces quality and affordable nutritional products that are good for all categories of people.

    He also said the company organised the event because it wants children to be well-nourished.