A group, Walk with Us Cancer Foundation has taken to the street of Owerri to educate the public on breast cancer.
In Nigeria, breast cancer cases were historically low but are now increasing as a result of urbanisation and lifestyle.
It is the leading cause of cancer deaths currently, representing about 23% of all cancer cases and approximately 18% percent of deaths are attributed to it in the country.
Due to lack of proper awareness, these groups are on the streets to sensitize on cancer with the theme “awareness is the key, educate, empower and eradicate.”
Studies have shown that the majority of Nigerian women, both in rural and urban areas, possess little or no knowledge about risk factors and symptoms of the disease, hence the awareness.
Experts say that risk factors for breast cancer include family history, increased weight after menopause, westernised diet, exposure to ionising radiation, oral contraceptives, benign breast disease, and lack of breastfeeding.
