In this week’s essay, we would like to offer some guidance on how a vulnerable woman can guard against breast cancer. This disease is a serious health concern that affects millions of women worldwide but there are several ways in which women can take proactive steps to guard against this increasingly common disease. It is important to remember that while these measures can help reduce the risk, they do not guarantee the prevention of breast cancer. While certain risk factors may make some individuals more vulnerable to developing breast cancer than others, there are proactive steps that women can take to reduce their risk and promote overall well-being. First and foremost, women must prioritize their health and well-being by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help support the body’s immune system and overall health, potentially reducing the risk of developing cancer. Regular screenings and early detection are key components of breast cancer prevention.
Women should adhere to recommended guidelines for breast cancer screenings, which may include clinical breast exams, mammograms, and other imaging tests. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Regular physical activity is also important in guarding against breast cancer. Engaging in regular exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga, can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation in the body, especially around the trunk, and improve overall physical and mental well-being. It is recommended that each woman should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle. In addition to diet and exercise, maintaining a healthy weight is essential in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Excess body weight, particularly around the waistline, has been linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. By striving to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of nutritious eating habits and regular physical activity, women can help reduce their risk of breast cancer and other chronic diseases.
In addition to lifestyle factors, there are certain risk factors for breast cancer that women should be aware of. These risk factors can include genetics, family history of breast cancer or other forms of breast disease, hormonal factors, age, and lifestyle choices. Women with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and should speak with their healthcare provider about appropriate screening and risk reduction strategies. It is also essential for women to be aware of their bodies and to perform regular self-exams. Developing a habit of performing monthly breast self-exams can help women become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to detect any changes or abnormalities that may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional. Furthermore, minimizing exposure to known carcinogens and environmental toxins can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Avoiding tobacco smoke, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle and lower overall cancer risk.
Emotional well-being and stress management are important aspects of overall health and can play a role in breast cancer prevention. Chronic stress and negative emotions can impact the immune system and contribute to inflammation in the body, potentially increasing the risk of developing cancer. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques can help promote emotional balance and reduce stress levels. Building a strong support network and maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones can also aid in emotional well-being while providing a sense of comfort and resilience during difficult times. Creating a safe and nurturing environment where women feel empowered to prioritize their health and well-being is essential in guarding against breast cancer and promoting overall wellness. Remember, each woman’s journey is unique, and it is important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized prevention plan that meets individual needs and circumstances. By approaching breast cancer prevention holistically, women can cultivate a sense of empowerment, resilience, and self-care in promoting their overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, while there is no fool proof way to prevent breast cancer, there are proactive steps that women can take to reduce their risk and promote their overall health and well-being. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying informed about risk factors, participating in regular screenings, and prioritizing emotional well-being, women can empower themselves to take charge of their health and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Here below are some key strategies that women can incorporate into their lifestyle to potentially lower their risk of developing breast cancer. We have mentioned them in passing above while taking a general overview of this important subject. However, we shall discuss each item in some more detail below for clarity:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can be beneficial.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and red meat can also have a positive impact on overall health.
Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake to reduce this risk. For women who choose to drink, limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day is advisable. It is even more beneficial if that drink is red wine which is proven to have unique antioxidant properties that promote good health.
You must be physically active: Regular physical activity not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also has independent benefits in reducing breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Even a brisk walk several times around your compound is beneficial.
Avoid smoking: Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of various types of cancers, including breast cancer. Women who smoke are advised to quit smoking to lower their risk.
Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby. It is believed to slightly lower the risk of breast cancer, especially if done for an extended period.
Regular screening: Early detection is key to the successful treatment of breast cancer. Women should follow recommended guidelines for mammograms and clinical breast exams based on their age and risk factors. Self-exams, usually conducted while taking a shower, can also help in the early detection of any changes in the breast. It can even be done every week. Once you are uncertain about what you feel in the affected breast, get your spouse to confirm after which you must arrange a visit to your doctor for a more detailed examination. As a necessary follow-up, they will then recommend what kinds of investigations you must undergo to confirm or disprove what the suspicion might be.
Know your family history: Understanding your family history of breast cancer and other related cancers can help determine if you are at a higher risk. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to start screening at an earlier age or consider genetic testing.
Limit hormone therapy: Some forms of hormone therapy, particularly combined oestrogen and progestin therapy during menopause, have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If possible, it is advisable to limit the duration and dosage of hormone therapy or avoid them altogether.
Stay informed: Keeping yourself informed about the latest research, guidelines, and recommendations regarding breast cancer can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
While these strategies can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, it is essential to remember that they are not fool proof. Regular consultations with healthcare providers can help assess individual risk factors and personalize a risk reduction plan. Additionally, being proactive about your health, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support when needed are all crucial aspects of overall well-being. As for those who come from families where there have already been diagnosed cases of breast cancer, dutiful screening measures should begin in earnest at least five years before the age at which the previous family member was diagnosed. For those women who have already completed their family size, they should consider having a double mastectomy. That would save many lives and limit the huge expenditures that are sure to follow a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Questions and answers
Good day, Sunday doctor. You have written several articles about testosterone and male virility, and I have read many other articles also published on this page. I just want to find out if it is normal to have a 53-year-old man who has erections throughout the night. My sons aged 14 years and 16 years are also like that; they have erections throughout the night. And in my husband’s case, it is sex at least two times every night. It is very stressful for the woman, and I am beginning to wonder if it can be described as normal. Kindly let me have your opinion. Thank you very much. 0802xxxxxxx5
Well, it is difficult to say one thing or the other about your question unless we can be certain that the erections you mentioned in the males around you remain all through the night. That kind of scenario is highly unlikely. What is more, like it is your husband would have erections once you are nearby, which is perfectly normal. On the other hand, your sons could have erections at night due to their fantasies of being teenagers and these events could coincide with your appearances in their room. On the whole, these events are certainly usual. The sex part may be a bit excessive but then, some men are like that. Other males would have erections only when they are touched but the result is the same.
Good evening, doctor. My brother is 38 years old and he has been having this pain in the right side of his lower abdomen for the past four to five months. The pain comes and goes and just last week, he saw a doctor who advised him to do a scan which then showed that he has an ectopic kidney. Now the doctor is saying that he also has appendicitis and that he should come for an operation. Is this advisable, sir considering that the kidney is abnormally where the appendix ought to be? It is confusing. 0803xxxxxxx0
Well, all the facts of this case are not available to us here. Was there any ultrasound finding suggesting that he may have appendicitis? Did your doctor conduct all relevant tests such as blood and urine tests to exclude other causes of such pain like a urinary tract infection for example? If all these were performed, what was the doctor’s conclusion after conducting a physical examination? These are the facts that will help establish whether there is something to be gained in performing an appendectomy on him. In the final analysis, appendicitis is a strong possibility for the cause of the pain he has been having but it does need to be proven. Finally, when you say that the kidney is now where the appendix is supposed to be, you need to be clear in your mind that the kidney has not replaced the appendix in terms of position. So the appendix is still in its normal place.
Doctor, thank you for the Sunday, Sunday tonic in the Punch newspaper. Without you, of what use is the Sunday paper? Much has been said about cold water. I want you to comment on the above video which I just sent to you. I live in Gwagwalada, Abuja and I can’t do without iced water. I am a 77-year-old man. The heat in Gwagwalada is unbearable. Thanks, and God bless. 0803xxxxxxx6
Thank you very much, sir for your comments and prayers. However, it is the case here that without The Sunday Punch, this column would not exist. Secondly, The Sunday Punch offers a vast range of topics that are of huge interest to everybody who can read and write spanning economics, politics, human interest stories, agriculture, technology, information technology tools, and health information systems. With regards to the video, you shared, that commentator is talking absolute nonsense when he says that drinking cold water would harm you in old age if you escaped its effects in youth. It does not create any problems in the liver; it is not true that most people awaiting liver transplantation were harmed by drinking cold water; it does not close any veins in the heart, not to mention four nor does it injure the lining of the stomach. One drink that truly makes your body come alive apart from fine red wine is water. When the weather is cold, we find solace in drinking it warm or hot, especially as part of a beverage like cocoa, tea, or coffee, and when the weather is hot like it is now in Gwagwalada and nearly everywhere else in Nigeria, people would rather drink it cold especially if they can find it during this period when there is hardly any electricity anywhere. That cannot be a harmful practice. So please ignore that video.
Good day, Sunday doctor. During this long holiday, I and 26 other women with 6 men and two pastors went to do evangelism at the prison in Sagamu. I have been feeling sick to the bottom of my stomach. Everything I see now makes me want to vomit and my skin is just doing something I cannot describe. Please recommend an antibiotic for me to use. Last year, we did the same thing at the Kirikiri female prison, and I did not feel like this. Truth be told, the condition of that prison in Sagamu is terrible and I have not been the same since we returned from the trip. Please what do I do? Thank you. 0803xxxxxxx5
That is always bound to be a humbling experience for anyone who has had cause to visit a prison and mingle with prisoners. The place reeks of disease. Their skins crawl with all kinds of skin problems, there is a lot of coughing and sneezing among the prisoners and the food is an eyesore. Even the plates used in serving such food can cause an onlooker to vomit. But it is more likely that what you feel is psychological and it will gradually wear off in the coming days and weeks. At the moment, you have no confirmed disease condition other than the one you probably went to the prison yard with, if any. And so, it is superfluous to want to take antibiotics for prevention. The request for an antibiotic is therefore misplaced. You do not need it.
Good morning, doctor. My wife has been suffering from low back pains for nearly ten years and she eventually had a corrective operation outside the country some 6 years ago. A month ago, she returned to Nigeria for the first time since then and the pains have returned. The medications she has been using right after the operation no longer seem to working. She is still feeling the pain despite all the drugs prescribed here as well. What do we need to do, please? 0704xxxxxxx3
It is something of a challenge when people have to deal with back pain whether acutely or due to more long-term causes. Since you were able to fund an operation outside the country, it is more than likely that you can afford the best possible care for her here. She will be properly served by visiting any of the teaching or orthopaedic hospitals near where you live so that she can be subjected to fresh examinations, X-rays, and scans to determine what the problem might be. To be sure, this operation was performed six years ago, and she has grown older since then although you did not disclose her age. Besides all of that, another condition may have arisen in the back unrelated to that for which she was operated, so let the doctors at that hospital make the relevant diagnosis. If you do as suggested above, a solution will be found for her pain and relief will be obtained.
Two medical doctors are in court now for involuntary manslaughter. The problems with the medical profession are legion. Please kindly be careful at work. Thanks, and have a happy April. 0806xxxxxxx5
Thank you very much for your observations and your comments. I wish you a happy April as well. Please be assured that doctors usually take utmost care in what they do. There is a review process in which one doctor’s input is reviewed by another senior one and so on. Doctors do not work alone; they are supported by other allied workers with each one taking care of one small piece of the drama. A lot of things that happen may not seem to be useful in the eyes of the layperson who would interpret it as time-wasting or even incompetence, whereas the overriding aim is to provide an accurate diagnosis and excellent care within the spectrum of what alternatives are available. Most complaints and litigations that arise, therefore, come from those wrong perceptions. It’s not that errors don’t happen, but they are less common than is believed.
Good day, Sunday doctor. Thank you for all your essays on this page. I have been truly blessed by some of the things I have learned and from peoples’ comments every week, I am convinced that many others find them useful. Please, my 8-year-old daughter is HbSS, and lately, she has been breaking out in boils a lot. These boils are in her forearms, legs, buttocks, and around the shoulders. I took her to the hospital, and she was admitted for treatment with antibiotic injections and pain relievers. The major problem now is the fever that does not go down and the boils are not going. Now the doctor wants to operate on her; he wants to perform incisions to drain all the boils. Is that not risky for her? 0802xxxxxxx3
There is one principle about boils, and, surprisingly, your doctor has even waited for as long as this to offer to do that; anywhere there is a collection of pus in the body, you have to go there and let the pus out. If this is not done, the fever will never go. Perhaps, you have been frightened away by the use of the word operation, but that is what it is. They probably told you that they would do an incision and drainage (I & D) to get rid of the boils. That is when the antibiotics will work properly, and your daughter will be able to sleep well due to the relief she will get.
Dr. Sylvester Ikhisemojie
Credit (Punch)