Christine
Residents of Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have been urged to go for early breast cancer screening to reduce deaths from the disease. The call comes as the world marks October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to Health experts, breast cancer affects both men and women, much as it is more common in women. Globally, it is the second most common cancer overall and the leading cancer among women.
Dr. Kisembo Brian Ronika of the Kabarole District Health Department explained that the disease starts when breast cells grow out of control and form a lump or tumor. He added that risk factors include family history, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity and lack of physical exercise.
He advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they notice hard lumps in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size, shape or colour, nipple discharge, swelling or persistent pain.
He stressed that early detection and screening can stop the disease from worsening and reduce the chances of breast surgery or total removal of the breast.
Dr. Kisembo also warned the public against believing myths about cancer, and urged both men and women in Fort Portal to use this awareness month to visit health facilities for screening.