Ufoma has consistently pushed aside every information about breast cancer that came her way, being religious about it.
Like many other Nigerians, she waves away every suggestions of regular breast cancer screening.
One usual statement that settles the matter for her and others is: “It is not my portion”.
That has been her confession until she had one of her breasts removed. So sad.
You must have also heard that if a woman allows a man to suck her breast often, her chances of coming down with breast cancer reduces.
Unfortunately that appears to be more of a myth than it is true.
Importance Of Timely Diagnosis
We have searched for any research on men’s sucking of breast and cancer, but we found nothing.
The only thing that we know about sucking and reduction of breast cancer chances will be highlighted in this article.
However, before we get to that, let us look at the basic things you should know about breast cancer.
This form of cancer affects several women, but one thing that should form the beginning of what you know is that early detection helps in better and effective treatment.
The month of October has been set aside as the breast cancer awareness month.
This activity highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
One of the places that prevalence of this disease is high is India.
Research says breast cancer has ranked number one cancer among Indian females with age adjusted rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality 12.7 per 100,000 women.
This statistic also highlights the fact that this cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women.
It is the second leading cause of death in women after heart diseases.
Breast Cancer Explained
While cancer may not be prevented, since it is genetic in some cases, the deaths it causes can surely be reduced.
We know that more awareness about the disease can help in preventing it.
Breast cancer is a condition that arises when a cluster or group of cancer cells is formed in the breast.
The cluster is also known as malignant tumour. These cells can invade other body parts uncontrollably. While both males and females could be affected, it is more common in women.
Most breast cancer risks begin either in lobules (a breast tissue made up of glands for milk production) or in the ducts which connect the lobules to the nipples.
It affects 1 woman in 8 during their lives, but very rare among men.
Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
1. Lump
This is the most common symptom of this form of cancer. It is a lump in the breast or underarm that does not go away in some days. This can be the first and the most visible sign of this cancer.
Sadly, this lump can be painless and may not cause any discomfort.
2. Change In Skin Pattern
When there is a change in skin pattern, that could be a sign of this disease. It is usually caused by a change in skin cells and inflammation.
Scaly skin around the nipples that looks like sunburn or irritation and itching are also signs of this skin cells change.
3. Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge can happen due to breast cancer. It can be of different colours like yellow, red or green.
This discharge can happen due to many reasons, but breast cancer can also be one of them. If you notice any unusual discharge, do not ignore it and get it checked on time.
4. Change Nipple Shape
One can notice changes in the appearance of the nipple due to cell change.
It can be inverted or reverse inwards. There can be a change in its size as well. This chance could also cause itching at times. When you notice such changes, kindly see your doctor.
Other symptoms are:
- Change in breast appearance, texture and temperature
- Swelling around the breast
- Redness around the breast
- Pain in breast
- Unintentional weight loss and vaginal pain in later stages
How Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed
As stated earlier, regular screenings is one way to detect cancer early, before the symptoms appear.
One can also know her state when she gets her symptoms tested.
You may also find our article on Tannin In Goron Tula And Cancer Fears helpful
Most breast lumps turn out not to be cancerous or benign which is not life threatening.
This lumps are not cancerous because they do not spread to other parts of the body.
However, when cancer is suspected, microscopic analysis is necessary. That is one way to correctly diagnose the disease, its type and stage.
Practices That Reduce Risk
Talking about sucking of the breast and reduction of cancer risk, it is only breastfeeding that reduces the chances of breast cancer.
When a woman breastfeeds a baby, the milk dot remains open and that helps breast health.
- Exercise regularly
- Add anti-cancer foods to meal – red kidney beans, kale, purple cabbage, ginger, garlic, aloe vera, soursop, etc
- Reduce or eliminate processed can food
- Detoxify regularly.
Kindly share this with your friends and loved ones to help them know more about this form of cancer.