Smoking ‘increases’ risk of breast cancer

Chinyere Akpanika, a gynaecologist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), says smoking women are more prone to breast cancer.

Speaking in Calabar on Saturday, she said breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women throughout the world.

While delivering a lecture on ‘Early detection and prevention of cancer’, the doctor noted that Nigeria records over 100,000 new cases of cancer breast annually.

“Today, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women after lung cancer. In Nigeria, over 100,000 new cases of cancer are recorded yearly,” she said.

“Smoking also increases the rate of breast cancer in women. Cancer is not just a health issue; it has far reaching social and economic implications.”

Omotayo Oluwole, the organiser of the programme, said early detection and treatment increases the chances of survival of patients.

She called on governments at various levels to fight against cancer in all its ramifications.

“Today, we are going to offer free cancer screening to over 500 wives of naval personnel and members of the public. Also, we decided to do this with a view to helping women out because of the present financial challenges in the country,” she said.

“What we are doing today is free of charge for everybody here. We have decided to give a helping hand to the society so that our women can live longer.

“Early detection, awareness and treatment increase the chance of survival of patients. That is why we are here today to render this screening free of charge to women.”