Myths Surrounding Breast Cancer Must Be Eradicated

The medical team of the Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospital has extended its breast cancer awareness and screening program to the Assemblies of God Ministers� Spouses conference held in Kumasi. The Breast Care International medical team led by its President, Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Wiafe Addai educated the women about the scourge of breast cancer and its socio-economic implications on the nation. She said breast cancer is not a new disease, but it has been wrapped in myths and misconceptions and mostly attributed to evil spirits which accounts for delays in reporting it to hospitals for medical attention. �It can be cured when detected early� she stressed. The women were told that the painless nature of the disease during its early stages is one of the reasons why women delay in seeking medical help. Dr. (Mrs) Wiafe Addai noted that although the cause of the disease is not known, it can be cured when detected early. She mentioned some risk factors associated with breast cancer that include; hereditary, previous lump in the breast, women who have never given birth and those who give birth after the age of 33, women with recurrent breast infections and women with long menstrual life among others. She advised them to quickly report to hospitals when they detect anything unusual with their breast or when there is any abnormal discharge from the breast. The women were advised to undertake monthly breast self examination. �Monthly breast self examination helps to quickly detect any abnormality� she emphasized. She revealed that other forms of detecting breast cancer are clinical breast screening and mammograms conducted on women above the age of 40. The CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals said treatment for breast cancer is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). �No woman has an excuse to refuse to seek treatment when they detect any problem with their breast� she added She mentioned some treatment options that include chemotherapy and urged them not to be discouraged by the side effects of the treatment since their health and well-being is more important. Many pertinent questions were asked by the women that showed the high level of interest and concerns they harboured.