BY Grace Ene Joeseph from Bauchi

As part of the method to ensure early detection and prevention of breast cancer, women have been advised to be engage self-examination of their breasts at least every month after menstruation.

A gynaecologist at the Bauchi State Specialists' Hospital, Dr Habiba Ismail, gave this advice on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the flag off of breasts and cervical cancer screening for 100 women sponsored by the state chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN).

Dr Ismail who is also the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital said regular breast examination could help women prevent cancer because they will be able to identify changes on their breasts and get treated in time before the problem escalates. She identified some of the signs of breast cancer as; bloody milk, rashes, lump on breast, roughness, darkening of breast and lump under armpit.

The gynaecologist therefore urged women to rush to the hospital immediately for screening and treatment whenever they notice such changes, pointing out that cancer could lead to amputation of breasts as well as affect their livers, intestines and brains if it is not cured.

“All women including those who menstruate and those who have reached their menopause should examine their breasts regularly. They can do that by taking off their clothes in front of mirrors so that they check if there are changes on their breasts such as roughness, rashes or swelling,” she counselled.

Earlier, the state Ameerah (Chairperson) of FOMWAN, Hajiya Yagana Muhammed Gidado lamented that many women develop breast and cervical cancers without knowledge which informed the organization's idea to sponsor the screening.

She added that they had spoken with the wife of the State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed Abubakar who promised to support women diagnosed of cancer during the exercise.