How to defeat the scourge of Breast cancer among Ladies – Akeredolu
Betty Akeredolu, the wife of the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has said that the major way women can defeat the scourge of breast cancer among ladies between the ages of 18 and 20 is to check their breasts regularly.
Akeredolu, who is the Founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), declared that breast cancer was not a death sentence, as many people believed.She stated this while speaking at the launch of Ondo State chapter of BRECAN.
According to her, with good medical care, the disease could be controlled.The first lady, who has been suffering from cancer of the breast herself for 20 years, said women needed proper sensitization and awareness on the control of breast cancer, hence the formation of the association.
She said: “Breast cancer can be controlled if it is discovered early enough. Therefore, it is very important for ladies and women to check their breasts regularly. They also need good knowledge of the disease and awareness on its control. Cancer of the breast is not a death sentence.
Those with breast cancer can live well. I discovered that I have breast cancer 20 years ago and here I am today looking as if nothing is wrong in my system.
The treatment of the disease is no longer expensive, especially if it is discovered early, However, many hospitals in the country lack medical experts who specialise in the treatment of the disease.”
She added that facilities needed for the treatment of breast cancer were not available in many of the health centres, while noting that many patients of breast cancer were made to suffer in the hands of medical practitioners due to the non-availability of facilities and drugs required for the treatment of the disease, a situation she bemoaned.
