By Duru Favour Ihuoma
Breast cancer has been a staggering burden among Nigerian women, accounting for over 27% of all female cancer cases. Devastatingly, the mortality rate is also alarmingly soaring, with over 50% of women succumbing to the disease. This is in striking contrast to the 5-year survival rate of around 90% seen in high-income countries.
Nigeria women’s bleak breast cancer can be attributed to a variety of interconnected and multidimensional factors. First, let’s dive into some of the most popular misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and infant, cancers in general.
Conventional hospital-provided cancer treatments may inadvertently worsen the condition of a patient’s cancerous condition.
In certain Nigerian communities, many are of the false notion that Western medical treatments and hospital care can actually worsen cancer outcomes. As a result, some are reluctant to pursue hospital-based care for their loved ones with cancer, instead turning to traditional or religious healing practices. This belief seems to be deeply ingrained, with even some educated individuals in the region subscribing to it.
Sorcery
In parts of Nigeria, entrenched traditional and cultural beliefs lead many to attribute diseases and health issues to witches and witchcraft. This has resulted in the persecution and false allegations against numerous innocent individuals, including children, within Nigerian communities. The misconception that cancer is caused by witchcraft remains prevalent in some northern Nigerian communities. Importantly, those who believe in witchcraft as the cause of disease often avoid seeking medical treatment, instead relying on traditional or religious interventions. Some communities even engage in public identification and further condemnation of perceived witches as a means of remedying the afflicted person’s ill-health.
Brassieres cause cancer
Medical experts agree there is no biological mechanism by which bras could impact cancer risk. This can lead some women to avoid wearing bras, which may actually increase discomfort and other health issues. Overall, the claim that bras cause breast cancer is considered a unfounded and potentially harmful misconception that is not supported by medical evidence.
Breast cancer is always manifested by the formation of lumps
It is a common fallacy that breast cancer can always be detected through the presence of a noticeable lump in the breast. While a palpable lump is one of the most recognized symptoms of breast cancer, it is not the only way the disease can present. In reality, breast cancer can develop and progress without an obvious lump being present.
Recommendations
Well structured awareness campaigns
Establishing awareness campaigns which will target the specific myths and misconceptions about cancer in northern Nigeria are crucial, as many of these beliefs are linked to traditional cultural views and lower socioeconomic status, including illiteracy and poverty. Well-designed, context-specific health education and sensitization efforts conducted in the predominant local languages of northern Nigeria may be an effective approach to debunking these unfounded ideas.
Enacting specific laws
There is a pressing need for the enactment of effective legislation at both the national and state levels in Nigeria to reduce citizens’ exposure to cancer-causing agents. The Federal Ministry of Health acknowledges that the lack of legislation addressing key cancer risk factors – such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, food labeling, and vaccination coverage – significantly undermines the success of cancer control efforts in the country.
Strengthening cancer screening and palliative care in Nigeria
To address this challenge, the government and other stakeholders working on cancer control should prioritize integrating routine screening for eligible cancer types into existing public health programs. This would help facilitate earlier detection and improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, as many individuals tend to present with late-stage cancers, the government and other relevant stakeholders should consider developing frameworks to ensure the provision of effective palliative care. This would help alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide end-of-life support for patients with advanced-stage cancers, even when curative treatment is no longer possible.
Together we can lessen the burden of breast cancer, schedule your mammogram today!
DURU FAVOUR IHUOMA, a student of Belarusian State Medical University.