Oncologist Advises Women On Breast Cancer

Dr. Favour Agwogie, an oncologist on Tuesday, has encouraged women to inculcate the habit of conducting monthly self-examination on the breast for early detection of breast cancer.

Agwogie, a Managing Partner of MercyWay Medical Centre, Ejigbo in Lagos, a private health facility, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

She identified some of the common symptoms of breast cancer to include a lump or mass in the breast, which is usually painless but with irregular edges at the early stage, breast thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue and changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast.

She said the only way any kind of cancer could be effectively managed or cured, is through early detection saying that people must refrain from living in self-denial.

She added that “regular screening and early detection are key to cancer survival."

“Unfortunately, some people with cancer live in self-denial, only to present the case and seek medical intervention late, when the situation becomes complicated.

“The best way to avert negative consequences is early detection through self-examination and check-up. Early detection increases the chance of survival and preserves more lives.”

Dr. Favour also urged women to go for a PAP Smear test yearly to detect cervical cancer at the early stage.

She defined cervical cancer as a malignant tumour of the cervix and the lowermost part of the uterus.

She explained that a “routine PAP Smear test will reveal if a woman has traces of cervical cancer. Most sexually active women actually have cervical cancer at the early stage.

“There may be no symptoms. In a few cases, there may be irregular bleeding or pain. The treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy,” she said.