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Every year in October, the world turns pink. The colour appears across social media timelines, public buildings, and community campaigns, symbolising solidarity, hope, and awareness.
This is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a global campaign dedicated to creating awareness of the most common cancer that can affect women worldwide.
But beyond the pink ribbons and walks, what exactly does this month represent? Why is it significant for men and women? And what can Nigerians do to help ensure they and their loved ones remain safe?
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumour that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
While it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, although at a much lower rate.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases recorded each year.
It is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for one in eight cancer diagnoses globally.
In Nigeria, data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) shows that breast cancer is responsible for nearly 30% of all cancer cases among women and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
How Breast Cancer Develops
To understand how breast cancer begins, it helps to know a little about the structure of the breast. The breast comprises lobules, the glands that produce milk, ducts, which are small tubes that carry milk to the nipple, and the connective tissue, which holds everything in place.
Most breast cancers start either in the ducts or the lobules (lobular carcinoma). In some cases, the tumour remains confined to its place of origin (non-invasive), but in others, it spreads to surrounding tissues, a stage known as invasive breast cancer.
If untreated, these cancerous cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain, a process called metastasis.
The speed of development varies. Some breast cancers grow slowly and may take years before showing symptoms, while others are aggressive and spread rapidly.
Symptoms and causes
The condition can affect your breasts in different ways. Some breast cancer symptoms are very distinctive. Some parts of the breast may look very different from any other area. Breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms either. But when it does, symptoms may include: a breast lump or thickened skin area that feels different from the surrounding tissue, a nipple that looks flattened or turns inward, or changes in the colour of the breast skin (the breast skin may look pink or red in people with white skin).
In people with brown or black skin, the breast may appear darker than the surrounding chest skin, or red or purple, depending on the breast’s size, shape, or appearance.
Changes to the skin over the breast include dimpling or an orange-peel appearance. The breast skin may peel, scale, crust, or flake.
Causes of breast cancer
The exact cause of most breast cancers is not known. Researchers have found things that increase the risk of breast cancer, including hormones, lifestyle choices, and things in the environment.
However, research shows several risk factors may increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
Being 55 years or older increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Women are much more likely to develop the condition than men. Having a family history of breast cancer, such as parents, siblings, children, or other close relatives with the disease, also raises the risk.
Up to 15% of people with breast cancer develop it due to inherited genetic mutations, most commonly involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Smoking has also been linked to many types of cancer, including breast cancer, and drinking alcoholic beverages may further increase the risk.
Obesity can contribute to the development of the disease. Previous exposure to radiation, particularly radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest, heightens the likelihood of breast cancer.
Finally, using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition.
Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer in men is rare, occurring in less than 1% of all cases, and typically presents as a painless lump near or under the nipple. Other symptoms can include nipple discharge, redness, dimpling or thickening of the breast skin, or an inverted nipple.
Treatment is similar to that for women and includes surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
It is most common in men aged 60 to 70. Inherited gene mutations (genetics), such as BRCA mutations, can increase risk. Having a family history of breast cancer increases risk.
Other factors, such as obesity and an undescended testicle, are also associated with an increased risk.
Prevention tips
Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence breast cancer risk. Some factors, like getting older or your family history, can not be changed, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health.
To help prevent breast cancer, maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t smoke.
Other tips include breastfeeding, limiting hormone therapy after menopause, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and talking to your doctor about your individual risk factors and potential preventative medications.
Talk to your doctor if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. A healthcare provider can provide personalised advice on your risk factors and when to start regular mammograms, which can detect cancer early.
Breast cancer survival rates are calculated using different forms of data, including the type and stage of breast cancer at diagnosis. These rates give an idea of what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still living after a specific time period, usually 5 years after they were diagnosed.
Expert Opinion
DUBAWA spoke with Qudus Lawal, a gynaecologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, who emphasised that there is a growing need to increase awareness about breast cancer across Nigeria.
According to him, early detection is what saves lives as breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer among women in Nigeria, followed closely by cervical cancer.
He explained that while many fear the disease, it is essential to note that breast cancer can be cured if detected early enough.
Qudus stated that one of the most effective ways to detect the disease early is through regular self-breast examination.
He advised that this can become a part of every woman’s routine and should ideally be done a few days after her menstrual period, when the breast tissue is less tender. He also recommended that women undergo medical screenings such as mammography, which can help detect abnormal growths before they become advanced or life-threatening.
“When screenings are done regularly, breast cancer can be detected early enough to prevent any major damage,” he said.
Speaking on the challenges women face in getting timely diagnosis and treatment, Qudus identified low awareness, financial barriers, and inadequate health facilities as significant problems.
He noted that many Nigerians are either unaware of the importance of screening or are not motivated to do it until the disease becomes advanced. “A lot of people are not aware or are not motivated enough to go for screening,” he said.
He further explained that late presentation is a significant reason why breast cancer remains deadly in Nigeria. Many patients visit the hospital only when the cancer has spread or reached an advanced stage, at which point treatment becomes more difficult, and the best doctors can do is to improve the person’s quality of life.
Another concern raised by Qudus is the limited number of radiotherapy centres in the country. “Nigeria has less than ten radiotherapy centres, and many of them are not functional,” he said. “Patients often have to travel long distances, sometimes to other states, just to access treatment.”
Francis Okpalaobi, a Surgeon at Asokoro District Hospital, also highlighted key steps Nigerian women can take to detect breast cancer early and reduce their risk.
According to him, “Every woman should perform a monthly self-breast examination beginning from puberty, as this helps in identifying any unusual changes early.”
He added that women aged and above should undergo routine mammograms, which can detect cancer even before symptoms appear.
“For women who test positive for the BRCA gene mutation, I recommend they consider prophylactic mastectomy (preventive removal of the breasts) and reconstruction after completing childbirth, as this significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.”
Speaking on the challenges faced by women in Nigeria, Francis identified poverty and lack of awareness as significant barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. He explained that limited diagnostic equipment in some urban, suburban, and rural communities further worsens the situation.
He also pointed out that cultural and religious beliefs often discourage women from seeking medical help early. “Many affected women first turn to spiritual or traditional healing methods, which delays proper treatment and makes them present late to the hospital,” he said.
DUBAWA also spoke with Sunday Idoko, a gynaecologist at Garki Hospital, Abuja, who explained that breast cancer prevention can be approached at three levels which are primary, secondary, and tertiary.
According to him, primary prevention targets people who do not have breast cancer but are at risk. It involves health education, creating awareness about the disease and its risk factors, encouraging self-breast examinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
He also advised protective measures for women exposed to carcinogens such as radiation and petrochemicals, and noted that women with a family history of breast cancer who have completed childbearing may consider preventive mastectomy.
Sunday further called for stronger health policies to promote women’s health, ensure safe breast implants, and empower women through education and awareness.
Speaking on secondary prevention, Sunday said “it focuses on early detection and treatment.”
He recommended regular self-examinations, breast ultrasounds for women under 35, and mammograms for those above 35, as advised by a clinician.
“Early diagnosis through histology, followed by timely surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, can significantly improve outcomes.”
He also stressed the need for better diagnostic facilities, trained personnel, and subsidised cancer care across Nigeria.
For tertiary prevention, which aims to manage complications and improve the quality of life for those already diagnosed, Sunday highlighted the importance of physical and psychological rehabilitation, pain management, and emotional support.
He added that breast reconstruction after mastectomy and palliative care for advanced cases can help patients cope better and live with dignity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves more than just a campaign. It is a reminder of the power of knowledge, early detection, and collective action.
While the statistics remain alarming, breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. With regular screenings, prompt medical attention, and a healthy lifestyle, many lives can be saved.
