This is a good moment to reflect on our relationship with this most complex organ that is, for most of us, our first source of nourishment and so central to love and male-female interactions.
It generates proverbs, from the profound to the profane. My favourite, for inspiration, is “Every big, beautiful breast you see was once a nipple.”
This gives encouragement to all, wherever they are in life. Unfortunately, despite the obvious visibility of the breast, breast cancer is widespread and, for Africans, extremely deadly.
It affects one in eight women across the world. While the 5-year survival rate in North America is about 91%, it is only about 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa!
This is mainly due to the fact that 60-70% of breast cancer in Africa is diagnosed late. In 2022, according to the National Institute of Health, 198,300 new cases were diagnosed and there were 91,300 deaths in Sub-saharan Africa.
I believe these figures are on the low side. This is projected to double by 2050! This is a real crisis. We need to increase breast cancer awareness and screening.
Beginning around 40, women should have mammograms, combined with Clinical Breast Exams every one to two years till they are 75.
In addition, they should know that smoking, alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors. While screening is important, women–and men who are also at some risk for breast cancer need to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
These include breast lumps, nipple discharge and flattening, breast skin changes etc. These must be reported.
Governments too must increase resources and support the training of more cancer doctors.
My appeal here though is to every African. Don’t just sing sweet mother– encourage her to get a mammogram. Don’t just get her a phone, pay for her mammogram.
Don’t just think of smooching– ask whether she had a mammogram.
Don’t just say, “Black woman, woman of Africa– Say black woman, get a mammogram”! Make this breast cancer awareness month count. God bless you and God bless Africa.
Source: Arthur Kobina Kennedy, MD
