Breast cancer remains a pervasive global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals annually. Dr. Wale Olusanya, a distinguished doctor of pathology and the Centre Manager of BT Health and Diagnostic Centre, LASUTH, stated that advocacy efforts have long been centred around raising awareness about the significance of early detection as a key factor in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.
According to him,” Breast Cancer Awareness serves as a poignant reminder that our collective efforts are paramount in addressing the challenges posed by this disease. It’s not just about going ‘pink’, it’s about fostering a culture of awareness, education, and early detection. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.”
He also emphasized the need for communities to come together to support individuals facing breast cancer and to promote initiatives that facilitate early detection citing the recent training of radiologists at the BT Health and Diagnostic Centre (BTHDC), LASUTH in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York and PPC Healthcare.
“The recent training, held at the state-of-the-art facilities of BT Health and Diagnostic Centre, LASUTH, brought together leading experts and radiologists dedicated to advancing breast cancer detection methods. The curriculum encompassed the latest advancements in imaging technologies, including molecular imaging, functional MRI, and advanced nuclear medicine techniques. This collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre and PPC
Healthcare exemplifies our commitment to advancing breast cancer advocacy and ensuring that our radiologists are equipped with the latest expertise in diagnostics”
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the burden of breast cancer in Nigeria is rising with 28,380 new cases of breast cancer recorded in 2020. This figure represents 22.7% of new types of cancers and accounts for the highest proportion of cancer types in Nigeria.
Dr. Olusanya encouraged individuals to prioritize regular screenings, self-examination, and education about breast health. He stressed that knowledge empowers individuals to take charge of their health and plays a crucial role in reducing the global burden of breast cancer. He further reiterated the commitment of BTHDC (a subsidiary of PPC Healthcare) to advancing breast cancer advocacy and called upon individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to join forces in the quest for a world without breast cancer.
BT Health and Diagnostic Centre is a Public-Private Partnership between the Lagos State government and PPC Limited. As a leader in healthcare technology, PPC Healthcare provides medical radio-diagnostic imaging systems (MRI, CT, Digital Mammography, Ultrasound, Digital Xray, Fluoroscopy etc), Nuclear Medicine (Positron Emission Tomography and Single- Photon Emission Tomography) and Radiation Therapy Systems (Linear Accelerator,
Brachytherapy, etc) is required in early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
