According to the United Nations, globally, the rate of cancer increased to over 14 million in 2012; about 1.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, a 20 per cent increase of the record since 2008. At the same time, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the mortality rate increased by 14 per cent, with 522,000 deaths.
Breast examination is an important responsibility for every woman, as a measure to detect changes in the breast, necessary for a proper health- seeking- behaviour. Signs and symptoms such as: pain, colour, changes, changes in the shape, size, symmetry or contour of the breast, lumps in the breast, nipple changes like: retraction, bloody discharge, deviation might just be an early indicator of a malignancy (cancer) or other benign but important breast conditions, which could be quickly salvaged on early detection before complications set in.
The campaign for a reasonable health-seeking culture or behaviour should not be left to the government or health personnel alone. In these days of the triumph of social media and mass communications, health-seeking behaviour and other important campaigns that positively impact the society have become the responsibility of every person involved in the use of social media who is positive and proactive enough to get involved, just to make the world a better place for all.
Dr. Nestor Prowess is a Medical Doctor with MBBS from the University of Port Harcourt. He is currently practising in a Specialist Paediatrics Hospital – Oasis Children’s Hospital, Port Harcourt. He organises seminars and workshops with different churches and organisations. Look out for his new book in the press.
He can be reached on Pin: 2867417D. Help line: 08068005901.
This is a family health initiative from Foundation for Family Affairs.
Photo: scinternalmed.com
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