23 Oct 2022

 Early detection of cancer is significant in effectively and efficiently treating the disease. This was revealed by Dr Emmanuel Ibeh of Kanye Adventist Hospital (KAH), during a cancer awareness event, organised by the hospital on Thursday.

 Dr Ibeh informed those who attended the event, held under the theme: ‘Breast cancer does not discriminate’ that early detection led to successful treatment.

He further highlighted that if detected late, after having spread to other parts of the body, the chances of successful treatment were very low. He said even though breast cancer commonly affected women, more than men, both genders needed to be educated on the disease.

“We need to support each other in fighting breast cancer, therefore men have to be equally informed so that they pass the message to their families and the community at large,” he said.

Dr Ibeh said symptoms of breast cancer included a lump or wound in the breast, loss of appetite and body weight as well as anaemia. “We need to be aware of these and immediately visit health facilities for detection,” he said.

However, he said every lump in the breast does not mean one had cancer, hence the need to visit a doctor for examination and tests.

“Do not shy away from visiting hospitals when displaying these signs, there are ways to assist you,” he stressed.

He said women, from the age of 35 upwards, were the ones who were more at risk of getting cancer, as well as those who started menstruated early, until they passed normal menopause age.

Dr Ibeh highlighted that smoking also increased the chances of getting cancer, adding that those from families with a history of cancer were also at risk.

He urged members of the community to continue supporting those affected by cancer, further encouraging those who attended to pass the message to others.

For his part, Dr Emanuel Mangwati said breast cancer was a non-communicable disease, which could be treated, if detected early, adding that even if detected late, there were ways to prolong life and manage pain.

Dr Mangwati said there was need for all to be informed so that they could make wise decisions on detection, treatment and offering support to those affected.

Nurse Kgakololo Madela highlighted the need for support, love and compassion for those affected by cancer.

“We must admire the survivors of cancer, let us give them a smile. We should also have the mentality that if some people had won the fight against cancer, we would also make it,” she said.

Ms Madela stressed that cancer did not discriminate as it affected people of all genders, age groups, different cultures and ethnic groups.

The hospital’s Matron, Ms Millow Matsoga highlighted that breast cancer cases were higher than other cancers, hence the need to sensitise the nation.

Ms Matsoga said it was easier to fight cancer if detected early, therefore she advised people to regularly check for signs, adding that if any were detected, one should visit the hospital immediately.

Prevention is better than cure, early detection would avoid more stress of having to depend on medication to live, she added.

“I urge you all to support those affected by cancer and pass the message you get here today to others,” she said. ENDS