Men at risk of breast cancer

By Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Public health practitioner at the Radio-Oncology Department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Peace Mawufemor Wudagli, has cautioned women not to assume that every breast lump is cancerous.

Speaking on the Business Breakfast Show on Zed 101.9FM, she explained that many women avoid screening out of fear, stressing that some believe once a lump is found, it will automatically be diagnosed as cancer. She refuted this, stating that only a medical test can confirm it.

“Not every lump in the breast is cancer. Until you do a biopsy, you cannot be sure. Some women naturally have lumpy or dense breasts, especially those who haven’t given birth before. A biopsy is what confirms whether a lump is cancerous or not,” she said.

Mrs Wudagli also warned that while some breast cancers progress slowly, others can be very aggressive.

“There are types of breast cancer that can move from stage one to stage three in just a month. Some remain dormant for months or even years before showing serious symptoms,” she explained.

The public health practioner recalled a recent case involving a woman who had lived with a lump in her breast for 10 years.

The lump only began to grow and cause pain recently, prompting her to seek screening. Doctors have since recommended further tests, including a biopsy, to determine whether the lump is cancerous.

She stressed the importance of regular screening, urging women not to wait until symptoms become severe before visiting a health facility.

Ms Wudagli further emphasised that breast cancer is not a disease limited to women, as men are also being diagnosed and treated for the condition.

She revealed that some male patients at her facility have developed breast cancer, particularly those with a family history of the disease.

The public health practitioner also encouraged both men and women to take screening seriously, adding that awareness and early diagnosis are vital for saving lives.