Breast Cancer: Bayelsa Records Over 140 Diagnosed Cases, 30 Deaths Between 2018 To 2020

With over 140 diagnosed cases of breast cancer and over 30 deaths recorded between January 2018 and October 2020, in Bayelsa state, the Ethanrose foundation has vowed to take the cancer awareness campaign to every communities in the state, to help prevent the dreaded disease.

In collaboration with Wife of the state Governor, Patience Diri (Eqs), who is also the life patron, the foundation held a breast cancer awareness trek and free test for women, at the peace park, Yenagoa, the state capital, with a call on women in the state to observe regular check.

In his remark at the event, the Executive Secretary, Ethanrose Foundation, Annette David-West, said early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer generally increases the chances for successful treatment. 

She said the foundation believe that information, education and communication is key and that was why the  cancer awareness programme is designed to inform and  enlighten women on the importance of early detection in line with the theme for this year, “Early Detection: Can help save lives”

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She said, “Majority of deaths occur in countries where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages mostly because of lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services. A situation that can be reverted if adequate public health programmes like this are put in place.

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“The recommended early detection strategies are awareness of early signs and symptoms and screening by clinical breast examination.

“Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage and is therefore an important public health strategy in all settings.

In her address, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Patience Diri, reiterated that early detection was critical to improving cancer outcomes and survival.

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She said about 2.1 million new cases with 627, 000 deaths from cancer related ailments are recorded every year across the world, adding that breast cancer remain the most common cancer in women worldwide.

She said, “it is for this reason, that I have heeded to the call to lend my voice to this cause and urge more organizations and well-meaning individuals of our dear state to join in this cause in the fight against breast cancer as well as all other forms of cancer.”

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He urged women in the state to take full advantage of the facilities already put in place in the state government to help themselves detect early cases for treatment and reduce the mortality rate in the state.

Speaking in her lecture, the Registrar, Cancer Unit of the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Mrs. Ememaize Oshogbunu, said breast cancer is the higher form of cancer disease recorded in the state.

She said between January, 2018 and October, 2020, over 140 diagnosed cases of breast cancer and over 30 deaths recorded in the state.