Lomé:Women are being urged to regularly monitor their breasts, seek medical attention at the first sign of any anomalies, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of breast cancer. These recommendations were shared by Ms. Essoham Thérèse Bamazi, a midwife at the Togolese Association for Family Welfare (ATBEF), during an awareness session organized by Digital Girl on Saturday, November 7, in Lomé. The event was held under the theme "She Must Know."
According to Agence Togolaise de Presse, Ms. Bamazi emphasized that all women can develop breast cancer, although certain factors, such as age, can increase the risk. Other risk factors are linked to lifestyle choices and can be avoided. She specifically mentioned tobacco and alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, repeated use of emergency contraceptives without medical guidance, and excessive intake of fatty and processed foods.
To maintain good health, Ms. Bamazi advises women to focus on eating fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity. She explained that it is not necessary to run to exercise, and even a fifteen-minute walk in the neighborhood can be beneficial.
Ms. Bamazi also stressed the importance of women being familiar with the usual appearance of their breasts to quickly notice any changes. She highlighted signs such as redness, dimpling, nipple retraction, or changes in skin texture that resemble an orange peel as indicators that require medical consultation. Unusual pain or nipple discharge should also prompt women to seek medical advice. She urged women to visit a hospital for examination rather than ignoring these symptoms at home.
Additionally, Ms. Bamazi encouraged regular clinical breast exams by healthcare professionals. In cases where an anomaly is suspected, a breast ultrasound or mammogram may be recommended, and if necessary, a biopsy can be performed to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. She concluded by stating that while breast cancer does not give warnings, information, vigilance, and screening can change lives.
Source Agence Togolaise de Presse