Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN)
is a leading a not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation galvanising
action against breast cancer in Nigeria. Founded in 1997 by Betty
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor herself, BRECAN is increasingly
improving the lives of many touched by breast cancer who would have succumbed to
the disease due to ignorance and lack of support. She was inspired by the
strength gained from her traumatic experience and the indifference surrounding
the disease. Quoting her ��. my experience of shattering loneliness,
unavailability of information and group support coupled with �tight-lip
syndrome� and indifference surrounding the disease so stirred me that I was
inspired to do something that will bring about a positive and lasting change in
the attitude of breast cancer victims themselves and the Nigerian society toward
breast cancer and sufferers. Her
story
Quick FACT!
There is increasing evidence that breast
cancer is on the rise in Nigeria. Available data from Ibadan Cancer Registry
indicate that breast cancer accounted for 6% of the commonest cancers recorded
during 1960-1980 period and rose to 14.8% between 1980 and 1985. Within the
cancers of the female, breast cancer maintained the trend rising from 11.2% to
25.7% during 1960-1980 and 1980-1985 periods respectively. A recent study by
doctors at the University College Hospital, Ibadan as reported by The Punch of
November 7, 2002 gave credence to the emerging trend revealing that 116 out of
100,000 Nigerian women have breast cancer. Based on this finding, 34,800 new
cases would be expected in 2003 an increase from 27,840 or 25% in 1999. There
are also findings indicating that the peak age incidence is 36 to 45 with a
smaller secondary peak at 56 to 65 ...more
