Ukpono Anietie, PH
Every 13th day of October every year, woman are encouraged to go braless as a way of creating awareness about breast cancer.
Women are around the world take to social media to post contents, educating others on how deadly breast cancer can be, the symptoms, and ways to prevent it, using the hashtag #nobraday.
BREAST CANCER
The word “Cancer” evokes fear, and there’s this trauma you get especially if you have lost a loved one to it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.
The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumour are other common names for cancer.”
Report has it that, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Over nine million people have lost their lives to the deadly disease.
The breast cancer is the most common among the female gender.
NOW, WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
“Breast cancer arises in the lining cells (epithelium) of the ducts (85%) or lobules (15%) in the glandular tissue of the breast. Initially, the cancerous growth is confined to the duct or lobule (“in situ”) where it generally causes no symptoms and has minimal potential for spread (metastasis),” says the WHO.
The common symptoms include:
- Painless lump in the breast
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Changes in the shape of the breast or nipple.
- Dimpling and redness of the breast skin.
HOW TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER
As it is commonly said, “prevention is better than cure”. There are ways to prevent one from developing cancer.
They include:
- Prolonged breastfeeding;
- Get enough exercises
- Cut down on weight
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid alcoholic products
How Women Are Celebrating Being Breast Free Around The World
Gloria Chinyere, a breast cancer survivor, has urged women to check their breasts as early detection of cancer save lives.
She took to twitter on October 13 to share, “#NoBraDay2022 #NoBraDay
Without courage, there is no other virtue we can practice consistently…. Maya Angelou.
Check your breasts today.
Early detection save lives.
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Shereka Wright shared on twitter to celebrate her mum “Such a great milestone for my mother today! 8 years… Breast Cancer Survivor! God is amazing!”
Dr. Kimberly D. Parrott also tweeted, “I wear many titles but being a Breast Cancer Survivor is by far one of my favorite!” #survivor
