Of the over 120 million population Ethiopia has housed, half plus of them constitute women as it is recurrently heralded. As far as public health in general and that of women in particular is concerned, the most common malignancy in Ethiopia has been breast cancer.
Although disparities exist in breast cancer survival between women living in rural and urban areas, patients in the former are more likely to present with locally advanced breast cancer.
Efforts to improve breast cancer detection and treatment have ben exerted in an integrated manner at national level despite shortcomings and the long journey to be trekked. It would be quite important to raise public awareness at a larger scale to dramatically mitigate the impact of breast abnormalities and to diagnose women well.
As part of the effort to keep women health and sustainably maintain their wellbeing, Ministry of Health in collaboration with a number of stakeholders especially with Clinton Health Access Initiative recently organized media orientation program about breast cancer early detection, prevention and communication and other related aspects under the theme, ‘Breast cancer early detection saves life.’
The program is of paramount importance in raising public awareness about breast cancer, its detection and the way how breast cancer is communicated and latest updates can be shared.
Speaking at the event, Kunuz Abdella (MD) said that breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissue, primarily the ducts or lobules. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably forming a tumor or lump.
It is caused by the disposition of a given cell to another location in which it is not assigned to serve since every cell does have its own function to discharge in the whole anatomical system of the body, he added.
Early detection of cancer and prompt medical attention are key in addressing health concerns effectively. The most common symptoms of breast cancer, he said, first the lump in the breast—the most prevalent early sign of breast cancer is the presence of a painless lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area. It is essential to get them examined promptly although not all lumps are cancerous.
Second, changes in breast size or shape-unexplained changes in breast size or shape could be an indicator of breast cancer. This may include swelling, dimpling, or asymmetry.
Third, skin change-redness, warmth, puckering, or skin dimpling on the breast’s surface may be a sign of an underlying issue.
He said, “Early and accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining the most effective treatment of breast cancer. Yes, early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Such a bold move has to be well expanded, and the media have to well prepare themselves for in-depth reporting on breast cancer.”
According to Dr. Kunuz, it is possible to improve the overall survival with early detection of malignancy or identification of precancerous conditions. This would be made real through increasing awareness of the individual at risk of the early signs and symptoms of the specific disease, setting up of screening programs and a routine periodic clinical examination of apparently healthy individuals.
As to him, early detection is the very rewarding means to know the status of the breast in advance and take actions quite soon. This helps women address the severe disorder born to the cancer following breast disorder thereby helping women and girls lead a happy life.
Dr. Kunuz further elucidated that although breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in women, it is essential to recognize that men can also develop this condition despite it accounts for a minimal rate.
Early detection of cancer or a precursor can result in less radical treatment and improved prognosis of some cancers. The role of social determinants of health in breast cancer disparities requires greater attention to how risk factors for breast cancer unfold over the life course, he added.
The early onset and severity of breast cancer and poorer survival among women in developing countries like ours he said must be understood within the context of an emerging body of scientific evidence.
According to Dr. Kunuz, the majority of women in Ethiopia could hardly expose themselves and get treated as early as possible as the disease itself is regarded as a societal curse. This backward attitude has to be tackled via raising public awareness and teaching the community well. This role needs to be well played by active involvement of the media be they are broadcast, print or social media platforms.
The goal of screening exams for early breast cancer detection is to identify breast abnormalities as early as possible. If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a highly likely chance of being cure.
He said, “It is important for women of all ages to frequently perform their own breast exams, and when they are being in a state of administering their own breast exam, they may discover a new lump earlier than when they annual mammography may be due. If this is so, they should follow up with their health care provider as soon as possible.”
Adama Hospital Medical College Senior Oncologist, Dr. Biniyam Tefera (Ast. Prof.) on his part said survivors experience needs to be revealed to well the women community and the public at large since the disease is not preventable, but detectable. Besides, he said women have to make self-examination a culture and whenever they come across a strange thing, they are advised to visit health professionals.
The contribution of survivor-provided social support on psychosocial adjustment of newly diagnosed patients to the effort geared toward treating breast cancer. Compared with newly diagnosed patients, breast cancer survivors provided more emotional and informational support. Receiving emotional support from survivors would also contribute a lot to an improvement in the quality of life and mitigation of the depression of patients.
As to him, breast cancer survivors who are willing to speak publically about their experience can play a vital role in reducing stigma, dispelling damaging myths and misconceptions and changing beliefs and perceptions.
As to him, a breast cancer diagnosis leaves women with questions, decisions, and anxiety. Patients can be referred by their physician or they can contact a breast cancer navigator for a self-referral. He said clinic assessments give patients what they need to help them make informed decisions about their treatment.
He said, “As psychosocial support could play a paramount role in fostering cancer treatment being part of it, supporting groups have to be systematic enough to help the public get treated. The diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer require close collaboration between cancer specialists, who have different areas of expertise, and the general public as this approach helps them make a difference.”
Screenings for Breast Cancer in Ethiopia on the Rise
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2023
