By Matthew Denis
The management of Lifefount Hospital, Ilorin as part of its Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) conducted free breast cancer screening for
1,000 women in Ilorin and Lagos State in conjunction with African
Research Group for Oncology.
The gesture was aimed at sensitising women on how to eradicate the
disease at early stage through identification of the symptoms and
prevention of its spread.
Speaking to newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last weekend,
the Managing Director of Lifefount Hospital, Dr. Yemisi Adeyeye
stressed the need for women to be aware of the existence of the
disease at its early stage.
She emphasised that women are usually the most affected victims adding
that early discovery would lead to a cancer-free society.
According to her, a breast lump is often the first thing that women
and even men notice as symptoms of cancer.
She said, “the symptoms include skin changes, such as swelling,
redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts. An
increase in size or change in shape of the breast(s), changes in the
appearance of one or both nipples.
“Other symptoms are; nipples discharge other than breast milk and
general pain in/on any part of the breast. Lumps or nodes felt on or
inside the breast, itchy breasts, noticeable changes when touched (may
feel hard, tender or warm).โ
Dr Adeyeye however urged women to always embark on self-breast
examination through frequent check for lumps and other strange
features around their breasts.
She said, “Those who are still menstruating should also check their
breasts between the seventh day and tenth day after menstruation.
โThis is because, by that time, the breasts will not be as bulky as it
used to be in other days of the month.
โFor women who are already in their menopausal years, they can choose
a particular day of the month to always check their breasts. Apart
from checking oneโs breasts, they should find time to visit the
hospital. This can be once in a year or once in six months for doctors
to conduct clinical breast examinations, which is very good.โโ
She further advised women from 40 and above to do mammography at least
once in a year while those below 40 should do breast ultrasound.
According to her, the breast cancer screening would have cost each of
the beneficiaries between N50,000 and N60,000 but for the gesture of
her hospital and the group.
