Every 14th October is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day #MBCAwarenessDay and coincidently our Executive Director Runcie Chidebe was invited to speak on #BreastCancer on Wazobia FM 99.5 Abuja Talk Health 9ja anchored by Nigeria’s finest voices Nwokedi Moses C. Bigmo Keneri & Laz Ude Eze
He shared three key scopes of Breast Cancer Awareness:
1. 10 Ways of Prevention,
2. Myths, &
3. Signs to be Reported to your doctor.
We were delighted as we used this opportunity to address the #NoBraDay & #MBCAwarenessDay also known as Advanced breast cancer awareness day. While sharing the relevant of early detection.
Women/Men die of breast cancer each and every day. You will never believe this assertion until you visit tertiary hospitals across Nigeria. Women do not die of primary breast cancer; they die when the disease metastasizes – when it spreads beyond the breast to vital organs. Simply put, several women/men don’t die of primary breast cancer, they die when the breast cancer has spread to the liver, lungs and other vital organs of the body. When this spread occur, it is called Metastasis. For instance, a woman may be diagnosed of stage II breast cancer, but, due to lack of finance or lack of treatment facilities, the breast cancer may progress to stage III or IV.
It is estimated that in Nigeria, over 70%-80% of breast cancer patients present metastatic breast cancer(advanced breast cancer). An estimated 90% of breast cancer deaths are a result of metastatic disease, either at diagnosis or recurrence. The average survival rate for people with metastatic breast cancer is 3 years, because treatments to cure metastasis do not exist. Despite claims of numerous advances in genomics, biomarkers and therapies, these numbers have never changed significantly. What is usually available for advanced cancer patients at this level is palliative care(end of life care). Treat the pain to have dignity and not cure.
Today, we use this special day to advocate for women battling with Metastatic Breast Cancer, giving voice to them, helping them access pain drugs, giving hope, showing love and care. We also advocate for EARLY DETECTION & EARLY TREATMENT because, it is good to detect early, but, we must treat early to survive and improve survivorship.
Federal Government of Nigeria must increase access, availability and affordability of cancer treatment, cancer care should be added to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Nigerian government should make advanced cancer a priority in cancer control. We are already doing some very structured advocacy through the National Assembly.
Millions of people are angered by cancer, because they invested millions of NAIRA to save their loved ones and have no result. It is so painful that only the rich can survive cancer in Nigeria. It is more painful that every week over 30 women cue for radiotherapy in only two radiotherapy centre in Nigeria for a population of over 160million. Nigerian government must expedite actions to save Nigerians.
At an advanced breast cancer stage, what the patient needs is care, love and hope. She needs her dignity. For all the women battling with advanced breast cancer or metastatic diseases, we are with you and we will always be with you.
Keep Fighting.
#MBCAwarenessDay #BreastCancer #FightCancer #ChokeCancer#ProjectPinkBlue #Care #Love #AdvancedBreastCancer