A romantic evening turned into a medical emergency when a husband’s gentle touch uncovered a breast cancer lump his wife never knew existed.
This highlights the importance of self-examination and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society reports that 40% of breast cancers are self-detected, while self-examinations account for 20-30% of breast cancer diagnoses according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
This highlights that self-examination, combined with regular screenings and clinical examinations significantly enhance breast cancer detection and treatment outcomes, making them crucial in the fight against breast cancer.
Sixty-one-year-old Madam Ruby Gajakuma-Baniba was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45.
In a mood full of mixed reactions, she recalled how she wouldn’t have discovered her condition if not for her husband.
“It was after my fortieth birthday. My husband had travelled at the time so upon his return, we were having fun when he said Ruby, there’s something in your breast. I was startled then he asked me to go to the hospital and check and when I went, I was asked to do some tests. It was after that I was informed of the situation. All I said to the doctor is that I want to be alive to take care of my children, so whether he will cut my breast or remove it, I am ok.” She narrated.
Madam Ruby said she religiously adhered to the doctor’s instructions throughout her treatment after witnessing many other patients dying from opting for herbal remedies.
“I met a lot of people who initially opted for herbal options before coming to the hospital and they died. You will go and ask of someone, and you will be told that they are dead. It was sad. I met one woman who told me her husband introduced her to his friend who was a herbalist and he was preparing concoctions for her, by the time she came, it was too late. I started Chemotherapy with her but eventually she died. So, I will not advise anyone to go herbal.” She said.
Despite her condition at the time, she excitedly shared how she pursued her dreams until she achieved all her goals.
“I will go to lectures after my chemo. It was difficult. My family was discouraging me, but I persevered until I did my degree. I will wear Kaba and slit and wear jeans under and kadigan on top because of the medicine in me from Chemo” she further said.
The issues with some unorthodox medicine practitioners hindering patient care and interfering with government efforts in the fight against the disease are a source of concern for medical practitioners.
Dr. Alfred Twumasi, a General surgeon Ridge hospital wants the issue addressed.
“If there is anyone that can cure breast cancer with herbal medicine then the person must be the richest person in the world. Because breast cancer is not only in Ghana. Worldwide. And we allow these elements advertise on national TV. If I were in distress as well, I will go to them. And these patients go and return when the situation has deteriorated, and they are about to die. Look we need to check these things. The laws are not working. There are no regulations on these things,” he said.
Madam Ruby’s story underscores the vital role of self-examination and early detection in combating breast cancer. Check your breasts now and save your life.
