Africa: Breast Cancer - Five Tips From an Expert On Catching It Early and Keeping Safe

The deficiencies in the Nigerian healthcare system - which requires that most patients pay out-of-pocket for their own healthcare - further contributes to the poor outcomes. Some patients who get diagnosed with breast cancer are either unable to access quality healthcare or suffer catastrophic healthcare expenditure when they do so. Worryingly, most of those affected are in their forties or sometimes younger. White patients tend to be older - often in their sixties.

I'm a breast cancer expert, working in south-west Nigeria. My work in breast cancer focuses on promoting early detection, creating clinical pathways for prompt evaluation and treatment, and improving treatment outcomes. Based on my experience, I outline here five things one can do to detect breast cancer early and reduce the risk of death.The first important thing is to be familiar with the symptoms and signs of breast cancer. This will enable you to act promptly.

Until you have been evaluated by a trained medical professional, never make assumptions about what you feel in your breast.Breast cancer screening refers to tests and examinations performed on women who have no symptoms, in order to detect breast cancer very early. All women are generally encouraged to participate in screening, but it is imperative for those who are at high risk, such as those who have a family history of breast cancer.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

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