The wife of Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has stressed that early detection is the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of breast cancer.

Soludo, who founded Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, urged women to learn how to carry out routine self-examinations and also go for regular checks in standard hospitals.

She gave the advice in a statement released on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is held every October.

The statement read, “October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’. This is an important period that has been dedicated to advancing education and spreading deeper awareness of breast cancer and its threats and prevention. Beyond the periodic commemoration, it is important that we acknowledge the real threat that breast cancer presents to our generation.”

She described the disease as a “generational threat,” noting the high number of women who die from it every year.

“The stats are scary. But we can do our best part to mitigate the ravage. The two primary steps are for everyone to learn how to do self-examination routinely and go for routine checks in good hospitals,” she said.

“Early detection remains the key to treatment and mitigation of breast cancer. We need to do more, as concerned stakeholders, to drive the awareness and campaigns on not just breast cancer but every type of cancer to every corner of our communities.”

She added, “This deadly disease has stolen greatly and is still stealing from us. Let’s do the best we can to fight it to a standstill. Please, help spread the awareness this October and beyond.

“Always remember that living a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces cancer risk. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #EarlyDetectionIsKey!”

According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow abnormally and multiply without control, forming a lump or tumour. If not treated early, these tumours can spread to other parts of the body and become deadly.

Most breast cancers start in the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules. In its earliest stage, known as in situ, the disease is not life-threatening and can often be detected early.

When the cancer cells break into nearby breast tissue, they form tumours that may feel like lumps or cause thickening of the breast.

If the disease advances, it can spread to the lymph nodes or other organs, a process called metastasis. At this stage, breast cancer becomes much harder to treat and can be fatal. (The PUNCH)