At PT Space, experts say men can also have breast cancer

Medical doctor and public health expert, Chioma Nwakanma has explained that it is not only women who are affected BREAST cancer but also men.

Medical practitioners, who say that breast cancer is only common in women, note that “some men who have breast tissue can be affected.”

Therefore, he advises that men and women should pay attention to abnormalities around the breast in order to detect early cancer.

Ms Nwakanma spoke on Wednesday alongside other experts when she appeared at the Twitter Space organized by PREMIUM TIMES as part of activities to mark the 2023 edition of World Cancer Day.

The space is organized in collaboration with Project Pink Blue, a Nigerian cancer advocacy group that engages in educating people and medical experts on issues related to cancer management.

About Cancer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably beyond the usual limits and spread to other organs.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 10 million deaths per year and 70 percent of which occur in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria.

READ ALSO: INTERVIEW: How Nigeria can reduce cancer related deaths – Health Expert

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In prevention

According to Ms Nwakanma, breast cancer prevention measures can be different from other types of cancer, although she noted that the best approach is a screening test to identify the type of cancer.

He added that vaccinations are now available for some cancers, but “maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best safety measure.”

He said: “There are vaccines available for some types of cancer such as the HPV vaccine which aims to prevent cervical cancer as the Human Papilloma Virus has been linked to 70 to 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

“Then we also have the Hepatitis B vaccine that reduces the risk of liver cancer. The third is going to be healthy choices; I say that lifestyle choices and dietary choices are the keys to living the most likely cancer-free life.

Mrs. Nwakanma, who is the founder of Smile with Me Foundation, also noted that cancer cannot be cured but it can be treated and managed, adding that some cancers recur in people who have been treated and confirmed cancer free.

“So there are different types of cancer but generally when the cancer is caught early, you know, the patient has a better prognosis and is more likely to be cancer free if the treatment is done well by professionals,” he said.

Consciousness

Speaking about cancer awareness, another medical practitioner, Founder of the Heal For Africa Foundation, Kelechi Okoro, noted that there are many misconceptions and myths that prevent people from accessing treatment.

He noted that there are several campaigns to educate people about cancer, but some people believe that cancer is a spiritual problem and not a medical one.

He identified illiteracy at the root as a major problem, as some people believe that cancer is sexually transmitted or cannot affect them “because they serve the living God”.

Regarding the cost of treatment, Ms Okoro said: “It depends on the type of cancer but no type of cancer treatment is affordable, from tests to treatment, palliative management and preventing the cancer from returning.

“No matter how rich you are, every Nigerian is one disease away from poverty and cancer is a disease that can take you from 100 to zero very quickly when it comes to finances.”

Symptoms of cancer

Medical experts also talk about the most common cancer symptoms including changes in the appearance of breast cancer.

He said: “People should pay attention to the color, size of the breast and especially when the nipple is pulled back or turned and a lump appears in the chest, armpit, or there is fluid visible from the nipple of a man or woman who is not lactating.”.

As for prostate cancer, he said that some men may not experience these symptoms early on and that these symptoms may be associated with urinary problems, erectile dysfunction, and excessive urination.

On her part, Ms Okoro said there are common symptoms of cancer which include fatigue, weight loss and gain, blisters around the mouth, and bone pain among others.

He advises that when these symptoms occur, a blood test will help as a screening step.

Project Pink Blue officially said

According to the Program Coordinator at Project Pink Blue, Gloria Okwu, cancer is a global health problem and Nigeria contributes a lot to the world’s disease burden.

“Many people die from cancer and Nigeria is one of the countries that have cancer deaths, children and adults, women or men. It is a big problem and we focus more on cancer to give awareness to the public,” he said.

He said Project Pink Blue focuses on cancer awareness, providing free cancer screening, support for people struggling with cancer, patient navigation, advocacy, fundraising for cancer patients, cancer research, oncology training and psychological support.

Cancer treatment

Speaking on cancer coverage in the Nigerian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Ms Okwu said most Nigerians do not use the NHIS because of the delay and cost of documentation.

“NHIS covers surgery but does not cover drugs and most patients pay out of pocket. Some people choose to raise funds and sell property to treat themselves,” he said.

Ms Okwu said that she has recorded some measures, and some patients have been able to access the cancer health fund that has been approved by the federal government.

“Through the Cancer Treatment Fund given by cancer patients the federal government is now accessing N1 million each and this is applicable in about six states of the federation. But N1 million is nothing for cancer treatment but at least we should commend the government for starting somewhere ,” he said.

Ms Okwu said her organization receives nearly 100 calls a month from different parts of Nigeria from cancer patients or their relatives seeking support for treatment, “with some reaching 10 million or even 20 million in some cases.”