The growing myth that women with larger breasts are prone to breast cancer has been debunked by health experts.
At a forum to intensify awareness creation on breast cancer by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, it was observed that a section of the public believes one’s breast size determines their chances of getting the disease.
But the regional Coordinator of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Lydia Owusu-Ansah, said there is no truth in that.
“There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk. Obesity, family history and other unhealthy lifestyles rather increase the risk of breast cancer.”
As part of efforts to achieve the World Health Organization’s efforts to reduce breast cancer deaths by 40% by the end of 2040, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has been sensitizing the public on the need to self-examine their breasts.
Ms Owusu-Ansah indicated that men are not immune to breast cancer even though the percentage is minimal.
“Though men stand only 2% chance of getting the disease, there is the need for them to join their female counterparts to screen their breasts. Early detection in both male and female saves life so regular screening should be a priority for all.”
The regional Deputy Director of Health in-charge of Clinical Care, Dr. Rita Larsen-Reindorf, underscored the need for early detection.
“They have all kinds of myth about breast cancer and people are normally afraid that they will have their breast cut off. But the reason is that they come late and you can’t just remove the abnormal growth in the breast alone but you have to take the whole breast off. The cancer does not affect just the breast but it can spread to the whole body so it is more expensive when people report late.
“We must all be ambassadors and debunk that myth and encourage people to report early because they are positive stories of people who reported early and some were cured,” she entreated.
By Issah Zakariah|Akoma FM|3news.com|Ghana