Over 4,000 new cases are registered annually in Uganda.
By George Bukenya
Low levels of breastfeeding are a major cause of breast cancer among women. This has been revealed by cancer specialists from Uganda Cancer Institute-Mulago (UCI). Uganda registers over 4,000 new cases annually and a huge percentage seek medical care when cancer is in advanced statges.
Breast cancer ranks second among the most killer cancers in Uganda but according to specialists, more thn 90 percent of women diagnosed and found with such killer disease can get cured if it’s detected early enough.
The Executive Director in charge of Mulago Uganda Cancer Institute Dr. Jackson Oryema while addressing reporters at Uganda Media Centre about the commemoration of Breast Cancer Month said that, over 23% of new cases of cancer in women constitute breast cancer mostly affecting female between 30-50 years of age.
The Breast Cancer is commemorated under the theme: “ Early Detection Saves Life.’’ Activities have been ongoing country wide for instance diagnosis in cancer and awareness campaign in the Northern Region, Mbale and will continue to Busonga and Luweero before the month games. The institute is also providing free examination at UCI centres in the country as well sensitization of the masses both physically and online.
He also said that 80% of patients normally present such a health problem very late thus causing their death although it’s curable when detected early.
Risk Factors
Dr. Oryema also pointed out the risk factors which include among others, ageing, hormones, early and late menstruation, life style like lack of enough breastfeeding, delay in having children and family history if the parent or grandparent had breast cancer there a huge likelihood that even some members of such family will suffer from it.
Prevention
According to Dr. Oryema, early detection can help one to start early treatment before conditions worsens, self regular breast examination, clinical breast examination, screening by using modern methods, feeding on balance diet for proper growth of cells, and regular body exercising.
Treatment Options
Breast cancer can cure when treated well using surgery, chemotherapy, radio-therapy and increased awareness which can lead to early detection. According to UCI latest report, at least 20 for the population are aware of the existence and treatment of breast cancer.
Dr. Najib Bogere also of UCI says that breast cancer can also occur in men although its un common and he argued males also to always seek detection from specialist for prevention and treatment if detected.
“ Breast Cancer isn’t a curse or punishment is just like other diseases and it’s curable. We just need to increase awareness campaign like in markets, churches and mosques were people converge in huge numbers,’’ Dr. Bogere encouraged.
He also retaliates that breastfeeding is one of the preventative methods and a mother who breastfeed for at least one year have very lower chances of suffering from breast cancer.
He however rubbished the myth by most people that if a man is sucking his wife’s breasts it helps in the prevention of such cancer, emphasizing real baby breastfeeding because this helps the mother to lose a t most half a liter a day.