Cancer: Women cautioned against use of unverified herbal medicine
Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Borno Chapter, has cautioned women in the state against use of unverified herbal medicines, saying early detection and prevention would address the risk. Dr Anna Peter, the President of the association, made the call during the commemoration of World Cancer Awareness Month, supported by the North East Development Commission […]
Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Borno Chapter, has cautioned women in the state against use of unverified herbal medicines, saying early detection and prevention would address the risk.
Dr Anna Peter, the President of the association, made the call during the commemoration of World Cancer Awareness Month, supported by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri, on Saturday.
The president noted that, in the medical field, there was no single evidence that such uncertain herbs heal cancer patients, but could lead to devastating consequences.
She, therefore, advised the women and girls to conduct monthly breast self-examination for early detection of lumps to enable prompt care and treatment before cancer develops or spreads.
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- Cancer: Women cautioned against use of unverified herbal medicine
Peter also asked the women to report to the nearest health facility any abnormal bleeding or blood-like discharge after intercourse, for immediate investigation and proper management.
Dr Usman Samuel Nganjuwa, a consultant working with University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, made a practical demonstration of how women and girls can privately conduct self-examination of their breasts.
Nganjuwa explained that the self-examination would allow them to detect any abnormality early and report to hospital in good time.
He praised the MWAN for the advocacy, adding that it’s a good venture to sustain in order reduce complex cancer cases in the society
On the misconceptions around breast cancer, he said the majority of persons affected were women, but men are also at the risk of getting it in some rare cases.
“This year alone, I managed six men in this cancer center. Some of them have passed on, while others are still alive,“ he said
Another consultant, explained that the awareness was aimed at reducing risks of breast and cervical
cancers in women, which if not detected early, may lead to costly treatment or even mortality.
On his part, the State Coordinator of the NEDC, Mohammed Umar, represented by Abdulrahman Ali Abdu, reassured the commitment of the organization in empowerment and offering of humanitarian services in the sub region.
He noted that the NEDC will continue to partner with doctors and other health officials to sensitise people on their general health and wellbeing.
Highlights of the event include a marathon road walk from University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital to the University of Maiduguri.