All sexually active women are at greater risk of having breast cancer, a gynaecologist, Dr. Yinka Olaniyan, has said.
Olaniyan told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday that the exact cause of breast cancer was unknown.
He said that it was important for all women to examine their breasts immediately after their period as this would help to notice any form of irregularities.
The doctor said that although a lot of women ignored changes in their breasts, it was important to cultivate the habit of checking them routinely.
Olaniyan said: “A breast self examination is a check-up a woman does at home to look for changes or problems in the breast tissue.
“The best time to do a self breast examination is about three to five days after the monthly period starts.
“The breasts are not as tender or lumpy at this time in the monthly cycle.
“If you have gone through menopause, do your breast exams on the same day every month.”
Olaniyan said that having a family history of breast cancer could increase one’s risk of developing the disease.
He said that although most women had lumps in the breast, “it is only when you find something unusual that it becomes a cause for concern.
“Many breast problems are first discovered by women themselves, often by accident.”
Olaniyan said that breast lumps could be non-cancerous or cancerous and that it could occur at any age, especially in women older than 50.
He, however, advised women who noticed any change in their breasts to get a mammogram done to confirm what the change was.
Trending
- Fidelity Bank reaffirms support for digital innovation in Africa
- Fire Outbreak: Lagos market to get centralised generator
- POS machine operator docked over alleged N1.4m fraud
- Man arrested over N120m fraud in Bauchi
- Suspect declared wanted for Port Harcourt blast arrested
- FCTA set plans to relocate traders, others from Apo mechanic village
- Nasarawa varsity ASUU laments non-payment of N600m allowance, threatens strike action
- Peter Obi to FG: Step up fight against drug abuse with tougher punishment