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“MY BREAST IS GONE, BUT MY LIFE REMAINS"

There was laughing and giggling in the room wherein there were five pretty ladies including myself.

It was late in the evening and we needed to take a shower and sleep...because we were all ladies...there was no reason to be shy but alas I WAS.

One of my breasts is gone due to cancer and now the contour is being supported with breast pad... undergoing mastectomy was a nightmare.

This happened 2years ago and I felt so down.....

My beauty, my charisma....my pride were affected but in all.....I have a life to live and to live it well is my desire

All of those were just my silent thoughts.

Then one of the ladies called out....”Hey you, aren’t you going to have your bath?”

I was taken aback, closed my eyes for a moment and then after taking a deep breath, I said to them

What do you know about breast cancer?

To my surprise they were naive about it.

“Interesting”, I thought.....a good opportunity to share my experience and tell more about breast cancer.

I slowly narrated my story; how the lump was discovered although with a little delay on my part, how the doctor advised that the breast be removed and then how I had eight chemotherapy sessions lasting close to a year, how I lost my hair and strength, and had to use a wig all through the period.

Now I am fine, I go to the clinic regularly for follow-up and I am thankful to God that no residual cancer or recurrence has been found. I am a survivor!

After my story, I could see different expressions on their faces but I was sure I had passed a relevant information that I believe they will pass it to others.

Help a lady.

Tell them about Breast Examination.

Breast Cancer is not a death sentence.

Early Detection is Key.

Save a lady's pride

Fiction promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

Written by 'Lola Fadairo

©CurbCancer Nigeria

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I love my breasts!

I sat in front of my mirror dressing up for the day. My phone beeped. It was a notification from CurbCancer Nigeria, an article on breast swellings.

I looked at the woman in the mirror. My mind wondered what would be of me if anything happened to my breasts'.

I am slim, tall and full breasted and I have found favour in my lover's eyes....

Not my words but just like the young maiden, I'm proud of what I have.

These soft tissues add to the eventual package- the beauty and attractiveness-of every woman.

To us, they are priceless. To the men in our lives, they are essential.

Ever wondered what made King Solomon say to that young man "let the wife of your youth be as the loving hind and pleasant roe and let her breasts satisfy thee at all times" or to the young maiden "your breasts are like twin fans of a gazelle, feeding among lilies....."

Or why the maiden proudly declared "my beloved one is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts".

The kids are not left out. To them it gives nutrients and immunity.

So essential yet could be greatly diseased.

There on my seat I thought about the thousands of women worldwide battling with breast cancer, the number of those who have died from it. The agony of mastectomy and chemotherapy, the constant battle of those in whom it has spread to other organs. The stress on the husband and the family. The amount of money spent on medical care. The emotional drain if the woman is still single. The lack of awareness, access to care and support groups.

The breast cancer awareness month has come to an end but we should not relent in creating awareness for it.

Pick a ribbon. Tell a friend. Tell a sister. Encourage breast examination. Save a soul.

I love my breasts, what about you?

Oluwaferanmi EbunOluwa

©CurbCancer Nigeria

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More Than One Woman's Struggle

"I need air", I told myself. Not that I had  been in a vacuum, the aristocratic and sophisticated-looking house I was in was more than ventilated. I just needed to get out and breathe.

The twins had just fallen asleep after I read them a bedtime story, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. They kept asking questions like "Dad, when will mom be back?" "Will she come back for our birthday?" I set out.

 I pause, startled by the unexpected jingling of chains and the successive barking that followed. I glance towards the direction of the disturbance, it was the dog in the next compound performing its vigilante duties.

In this darkest hour before dawn, when most people are safely tucked in their beds, it was a startling and unwelcoming intrusion.

I resume my walking, becoming more aware of the tears streaming down my face.

How much I miss her! Her smiles, laughter, unexpected angry outbursts that made us scamper to safety and the way she ordered everybody around. She was nicknamed boss lady by the kids.

We met at a friend's party. I was discussing the happenings in the stock exchange market with a broker-friend of mine when I suddenly heard Tomi laugh. I couldn't help but look.

I saw this absolutely stunning woman in her late twenties. I was later told she was into Estate Management. She had this presence. I felt 'the' thrill...then and there, I knew she was the one.

The wedding ceremony was fabulous. Our joy knew no bounds when the twins arrived, Folakemi and Folagbade. The money was steady, life was good.

Until two and half years ago.....

On a sunday night after lecturing me on compromise, I agreed to watching her favourite show, Every Woman, instead of a football match. During the programme, she saw horrible pictures of breasts with cancer and learnt how to perform a self breast-examination.

A week later, after having her bath, she told me she felt a lump in her left breast. I laughed and told her she was it was her overactive imagination initiated by that episode of Every Woman. She agreed and laughed at my teasing.

Later that week, we went to visit her mom. Mama Tomi, as her mom was popularly called, was ecstatic on seeing her only child. "Omo mi, Ajike, Abeke, Agbeke, Asake", she called out Tomi's yoruba pet names, in her sing-song voice. After exchanging pleasantries with my mother-in-law, I was politely excused.

They went upstairs for another of their routine mother-daughter chat. I later found out she had told her mom about the lump she supposedly felt.

"Ok ma, we will be there on saturday. I'll take 'Kemi and 'Gbade to my friend, Busola's place... Yes... Amen ma ...ok ma... Thank you, mom. Have a nice day. Alright, I will", I heard Tomi say the next day as I stepped out of the shower.

She told me her mum said she had a feeling that the lump was not ordinary, but the work of the enemies. The same enemies that killed Tomi's father, and that she would take us somewhere. We agreed to it, mostly because Mama Tomi, wouldn't take no for an answer.

The journey to Baba Awogbemi's traditional home took us two hours out of town. His 'consulting room' was poorly-lit by traditional lamps, decorated with traditional mats, clothes and calabashes. Sitting in a corner of the room, was an evil-looking creature made from stone,  with feathers, cowries and pieces of cloth smeared with dried blood.  "Ologundudu oooo.... Alapa oooo." He shouted before reeling off incantations in Yoruba, thereafter, making noises that sounded more like shrieks and the howling of a wolf.

I remember glancing at my Swiss-made Fossil Chronograph watch , and thinking about leaving. I was outraged that I had to put up with all this because of a harmless lump, if it indeed existed.  He ended up telling us Mama Tomi had suspected; Tomi's father's enemies had decided she was next. We were given soaps for Tomi to take her bath with, and told to come back for a cream that would dissolve the lump.

During the next visit, we were given herbal mixtures, a protective bracelet and a cream that smelled like rotten egg. Tomi followed Baba Awogbemi's instructions religiously.

8 months later, we decided to check it out with the doctor. It had become bigger. Also, there was the bloody nipple discharge. I remember her worried face as she related the doctor's appointment, she should have gone earlier, immediately the lump was detected. She was to have a biopsy done to confirm if it was cancer.  

"The biopsy showed a cancerous growth, invasive ductal carcinoma."

"Cancer?!!" she shouted in the doctor's office, almost hysterical.

"Yes, Mrs. Odutola, you have breast cancer." the doctor replied.

I had been uneasy since the day before that the doctor had told me to come with my wife to see him about the result of the biopsy.

Other words were said: Surgery. Chemotherapy. Radiation.

It's funny how life doesn’t prepare you for situations like this. No lesson on facing trials and troubles can ever prepare you for the roller-coaster of emotions that will envelope you. I felt numb.

I'll never forget that I held her hand and said, "Together we'll be ok." I had desperately wanted to believe that.

Explaining to the children wasn't easy. How was I to tell our eight-year-olds that their mum was sick and possibly going to die?

Mama Tomi couldn't handle the news. She believed her enemies had caught up with her at last!

Tomi underwent the treatments, I was determined to give her the best, money was not an issue.

Bad news was that the cancer had spread to her lungs, later her organs were failing...

Her mother had a heart attack and passed away. Tomi had to be wheeled to her mother's burial, she could no longer walk.

It was hard watching her go through so much pain, grief and not being able to do something, anything to take it away.

Throughout our fight, we were showered with love from family and friends. We had joined a strong cancer support group at the beginning, in the quest to gather information.

She was strong, she fought, until she was tired. Too tired to fight and at last, it ended. She succumbed. She died.

Here I am, fours months after trying to be both Mom and Dad to the kids. I wish she left me a manual....

My experience has made me join the fight against breast cancer. It was my wife. It could be anybody, it's more than one woman's struggle...

 Modupeoluwa Omisore.

Medical student. Freelance Writer.

©CurbCancer Nigeria

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CurbCancer Nigeria's talk with women living with breast cancer

The CurbCancer Nigeria team decided to walk up to some women currently undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer in order to know how they are feeling and coping with the diagnosis, their suggestions to the government and words of encouragement to other people living with Breast Cancer.

This is what they had to say.

1^st interview

CurbCancer Nigeria: Good afternoon ma, we’re from CurbCancer Nigeria, we’re concerned with promoting cancer awareness in Nigeria. Please we’d like to ask you a few questions.

How old are you?

Woman: 28yrs

CurbCancer Nigeria: When were you diagnosed as having breast cancer?

Woman: 5months ago (June 2013)

CurbCancer Nigeria: How did you feel when you received the diagnosis?

Woman: I felt so bad, but what would I do? The deed has been done, I am coping

CurbCancer Nigeria: What has been inspiring you since then?

Woman: My husband and my children. My church also

CurbCancer Nigeria: Do you think the government is doing enough for people living with breast cancer?

Woman: No. The awareness is poor

CurbCancer Nigeria: What are your suggestions for the government on how to cater for people living with breast cancer?

Woman: Provision of drugs for treatment and other facilities including laboratory facilities for diagnosis

CurbCancer Nigeria: Any word of encouragement for other people living with Breast Cancer?

Woman: With God, all things are possible. When God says yes, who can say no? It is not meant to destroy us, rather, it is meant to strengthen us in Christ Jesus

CurbCancer Nigeria: Thank you very much.

2^nd Interview

CurbCancer Nigeria: Good afternoon ma, we’re from CurbCancer Nigeria, we’re concerned with promoting cancer awareness in Nigeria. Please we’d like to ask you a few questions.

How old are you?

Woman: 44years

CurbCancer Nigeria: When were you diagnosed as having breast cancer?

Woman: 4years ago (2009)

CurbCancer Nigeria: How did you feel when you received the diagnosis?

Woman: I was worried and disturbed.

CurbCancer Nigeria: What has been inspiring you since then?

Woman: The grace of God and the encouragement from the Consultant treating me.

CurbCancer Nigeria: Do you think the government is doing enough for people living with breast cancer?

Woman: No, the government is not doing enough.

CurbCancer Nigeria: What are your suggestions for the government on how to cater for people living with breast cancer?

Woman: The government should not limit the National Health Insurance Scheme to the surgery alone, but it should also include the Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

CurbCancer Nigeria: Any word of encouragement for other people living with Breast Cancer?

Woman: Early detection is important. Also, follow the instructions of your doctor and stick to the treatment as stated.

You’ve read it all, early detection is key. Let’s join hands together to curb the menace of Breast Cancer in Nigeria.

©CurbCancer Nigeria

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Breast Lumps in Young Women

A 25-year old lady, who as a result of her frequent self-examination discovers a lump in one of her breasts, can become anxious, sad and depressed about what it all means.

She begins with questions like “Do I have cancer?”, “Does this mean I am going to die soon?”

This is like trying to solve a problem by worrying or attacking a problem from an unknown point; neither yields a good result.

There are various medical terminologies that have been used to describe different forms of breast lumps. A lump literally is a collection of tissue in an abnormal location; the tissue can either be normal or abnormal. Diverse diseases and situations can cause breast lumps or swellings (lumps can also be referred to as swellings). Common causes include:

1.  Fibroadenoma: This is the commonest non-cancerous growth in the breasts of young women. It is usually as a result of the effect of hormones. It is usually firm and painless, it may be movable and its edges are usually distinct.

Fibroadenomas can grow in size or may just remain as the same size. Most fibroadenomas are removed by surgeons but they could also be left behind if confirmed that they are fibroadenomas and not growing in size.

2. Fibroadenosis (also referred to as Benign Mammary Dysplasia): This is common in women between 20-years of age and often both breasts are affected. They may have granular small lumps in one or both breasts and breast pain which occurs shortly before the menstrual period.

They are treated by reassurance, use of pain relieving drugs and sometimes excision.

3. Breast Cysts: These are usually painless (painful in a few women) breast lumps that occur in women but are more common about the age of 40. They are usually due to fluid collection within a cavity in the breast tissue. These cysts can be diagnosed by ultrasound of the breast in young women.  Mammograms may also detect them in women over 40.

Cysts can simply be treated by needle aspiration.

4.  Lactational Mastitis: This occurs as a result of breastfeeding in some lactating mothers. Milk engorgement when infected can lead to a breast swelling. This usually occurs when there is a small crack in the nipple. The breast swelling is painful and red/shiny, sometimes with production of pus.

5. Fat Necrosis: This is usually seen in middle aged women and could occur following minor sometimes unnoticed injuries to the breast. The breast lump is usually painless and could be confused with breast cancer and in some cases only be differentiated by clinical investigations.

6. Carcinoma of the Breast (Breast Cancer): Although this is more common in older women, it could also occur in young ladies and recently, the number of cases in young ladies has been increasing, especially in those with a family history of the disease. In this, the breast lump is also painless (and this is the significance of self breast examination in detecting the lump at an early stage). There may be changes over the skin of the breast, blood stained nipple discharge, or retraction of the nipple.

Unless it has spread to other parts of the body, there may be no other symptom.

The singular most important point is that with a breast lump, any of the above conditions and many more are possible. Seeking medical help early is the gold step to take.

The medical team collects data by asking some specific questions, streamline the options and carry out examinations and tests in order to arrive at a definite diagnosis. The diagnosis is then attacked head on with different forms of therapy depending on the particular disease condition.

Not all breast lumps are cancerous; this certainty however lies in seeking medical help and seeking it early makes the outcome better.

Let’s all help to curb Breast Cancer in our country Nigeria

Oyende Olamide E.

CurbCancer Nigeria

Do Bras Really Cause Breast Cancer?

                Women have used a variety of garments/devices to cover, restrain or modify the appearance of their breasts over time. They include corsets, camisoles and brassieres.

Brassieres popularly known as “Bras” replaced Corsets in the 19^th Century and since then much attention has been paid to the fashion aspect of bras. Several corporations are now into the multimillion dollar industry of brassiere manufacturing leading to the evolution of bras with many types of bras available depending on the individual and the need. These include sport bras, nursing bras, strapless/halter neck bras, wireless/full band/partial band, molded/padded/unpadded.

However, over time and even more recently, there have been some suggestions and speculations that wearing bras could be linked to breast cancer.

This has created much buzz on the internet, even with the introduction of the “No Bra Day” which holds on July 9^th and October 13^th.

                The explanation by people in support of this idea is that these bras especially underwire bras block the drainage of lymphatic fluid from the bottom of the breast so that it cannot drain back into the body and that it therefore leads to accumulation of toxins that results in breast cancer.

An author also suggested that the use of bras explains the high rate of breast cancer in Western countries and lower rates in developing world where women are less likely to wear bras.

So what can we make of these suggestions?

Presently, the renowned Cancer Research organizations in the world like CancerResearch UK and the American Cancer Society believe there is no scientific link between use of bras and breast cancer.

CancerResearch UK states that you would need to wear a bra that is painfully and unbearably tight for it to have any effect on your lymphatic system.

Some patients that had treatment which involved removal of lymph nodes which help in draining lymph were also followed up at the National Cancer Institute were also followed up over time and they were found not to have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Also, constriction or application of pressure to a particular area of the body has not been shown to make normal cells cancerous unlike identified “carcinogens” such as some chemicals, radiation and some viruses

We also know that there are many other differences between lifestyle in Western and developing world other than the use of bras that contribute to breast cancer risk.

Presently, the cause(s) of Breast Cancer is/are not known. A breast cancer surgeon once stated that this “bra myth” actually comes from the frustration of not knowing what actually causes the disease.

Known risk factors for Breast Cancer however include

•          Sex: It is more common in females, although it could occur in males, but it is rare
•          Age: The risk increases with increasing age
•     Having a strong family history of the disease
•          Use of Oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy
•      Late age at first childbirth or not having children at all
•      Early age at first menstruation
•      Late age at menopause
•      Alcohol intake

It is important to note that presence of these risk factors does not mean an individual would develop breast cancer, it just denotes that such individuals should take breast screening more seriously and should alert their healthcare providers once they notice any change in their breasts

In conclusion, currently, there is no scientific link between the use of bras and breast cancer. However this is not to totally throw the suggestions into the waste bin. We hope ongoing research sheds more light on the cause of Breast Cancer in the nearest future.

'Tunde Kukoyi
©CurbCancer Nigeria
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