Disturbed by the scourge of cancer in the society, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has advised professional women to prioritise self-care and regular screening by making it a habit to perform monthly breast self-examinations, endeavour to know what is normal in the body and quickly identify any changes.

President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, who gave the advice at a webinar entitled: “Understanding the early signs of breast and cervical cancer”, organised by APWEN, noted that cancer, particularly breast and cervical cancer, have become a silent epidemic in the society.

According to her, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, while cervical cancer is the fourth most common. These statistics, she said, are not just numbers; they represent ‘our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, and our friends. They represent us’, yet, the silence and stigma surrounding these illnesses persist.

“Too often, women present at hospitals too late because symptoms went unrecognised or were ignored. In a world where women are breaking barriers in engineering and technology, it is crucial to remember that our health is the foundation upon which all personal and professional achievements are built. As women engineers, we are often at the forefront of our careers and our families; we solve complex problems every day, but let us not ignore the very real and urgent health challenges that disproportionately affect women, particularly breast and cervical cancer. Because of our rigorous schedules, we delay check-ups, ignore symptoms, and postpone conversations that could save our lives,” she said.

Osim pointed out that early detection is the most potent weapon against these diseases, adding that when detected early, both breast and cervical cancers are highly treatable, and the chances of survival are significantly higher. She advised that a simple self-examination or a routine screening can make all the difference.

“Do not shy away from professional medical advice and screening. Schedule your mammograms, self-examination and Pap smears as recommended by medical professionals. These are not luxuries; they are necessities. As engineers, let us apply our commitment to precision and regular maintenance to our health, too. Let’s not keep this knowledge to ourselves. Be an advocate for health in your families, workplaces, and communities. Encourage the women in your life to take charge of their health,” Osim said.

She reaffirmed APWEN’s commitment to this cause, stressing that the association will continue to champion initiatives that promote the well-being of women in engineering and beyond because a healthy woman is a productive woman, and a healthy society is a prosperous one.

The guest speaker/ Senior Medical Officer at the ASI Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre (AUCCC) Calabar, Cross River State, Dr Augustine Osaiyuwu, said breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and in Nigeria, accounting for 30% of all cancer cases at their center as of July, rising to 60% when considering only female cases.

He emphasised the importance of early detection through breast self-examination, which involves inspection and palpation using techniques like the clock pattern, wedge pattern, and sweeping pattern. Dr. Augustine highlighted key signs to look out for, such as pain not related to menstrual cycles, redness, discharge, dimpling, and changes in nipple or areola appearance.

Osaiyuwu recommended monthly breast self-examinations, preferably one week after menstruation for those who are menstruating, and advised incorporating the practice into a regular routine.

Specifically, he stressed that breast self-examinations should be done monthly by women aged 20 and above, and that women with a family history of breast cancer should start mammograms at age 40. For cervical cancer, he recommended Pap smears every three years for sexually active women aged 25 and above, and emphasised the importance of early detection through routine screening. Dr. Augustine also discussed the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer and the importance of frequent screening, especially for women with multiple sexual partners.

Augustine argued that while screening costs can range from N8,000 to N45,000, the financial investment is worthwhile compared to the potential expenses of treating advanced cancer. He noted that chemotherapy and other treatments can be expensive for the average person, but said organisations like Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and National Health Service (NHS) can make these treatments more affordable.

The recent surge in cancer among younger people, he said, may be linked to dietary changes, including the consumption of processed foods. He emphasized the importance of avoiding processed foods and advocated for a return to natural diets, though acknowledged that some alternative treatments, like lemon water and beetroot for blood pressure, show promise but lack scientific validation.

Augustine said some natural remedies might be effective, but argued that they can’t be recommended without clinical trials to establish their efficacy.