Women who use skin bleaching products have been advised to stop the practice as it may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Skin lightening products containing mercury have been identified as having breast cancer effects among women of African descent.
President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Mrs Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, who made the disclosure, advised women on the use of the product.
He said research conducted by Peace and Love Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Accra made the revelation.
The research was funded by the National Cancer Institute (NHI), in the US, according to Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe, who is also the CEO of Peace and Love Hospital.
He said this during the free breast cancer education and screening at the Kwadaso SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College – Kwadaso Campus, in the Atwima Nwabiagya North district of the Ashanti region.
The program held on Sunday, January 29, 2023, is part of the “Kick Breast Cancer Out” campaign sponsored by Delta Airline, in collaboration with BCI and Peace and Love Hospital.
“The Ghana Breast Health Study conducted revealed that the use of skin whitening agents like creams, pills and injections can increase the risk of breast cancer,” he warned.
“In addition to skin cancer, using skin whitening agents can also increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, I advise women to stop this habit,” Dr. Wiafe Addai appealed.
Students are also encouraged to do breast self-examination to avoid the dreaded disease of breast cancer.
She said most women are suffering from the disease without knowing it and the only way to avoid it is through self-examination and clinical screening.
“Regular breast screening helps detect lumps as well as reporting breast changes to the hospital will lead to early diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
The nursing trainees who have clinically examined the breast are very grateful to Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai and believe that education will be a good way to shape their lifestyle,
The Principal of Kwadaso SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Daniel Atta Tuffour, said the knowledge gained in the program would help nurses also educate their families about the disease.
He also added his voice to the adaptation of regular self-examination and clinical breast cancer screening to prevent the final stages of the disease.
| Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not reflect Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no legal or other responsibility for the accuracy of the content. Please report inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a priority. |
Featured Videos