By Jemi Ekunkunbor

Integrative Nutrition Coach, Judy Okolo has called on women over 40 years, to have a plan for their breasts, by going for regular check-ups, if they must fight breast cancer and nip it in the bud.

She made the call in Lagos last weekend while speaking at a one-day breast cancer awareness campaign and end-of-year party, organised by leading health and wellness company, Forever Living Products.

Speaking on “Preventive Measures of Breast Cancer and Its Early Detection”

Okolo stated that Nigeria has the highest mortality rate for breast cancer, mostly due to late presentation.

Describing breast cancer as a progressive degenerative condition that must be nipped in the bud, she urged women to take charge of their breasts by making the wellness of the breasts their priority.

According to Ms. Okolo, “caring for the breast starts with knowing what your breasts look like, and paying attention to any change in shape and size, appearance, direction, discharge, any dimpling, puckering in the skin or any lump.”

She added that while women cannot escape the risk of breast cancer by reason of their gender, she said women can modify the triggers by embracing lifestyle changes such as weight loss programmes, engaging in physical activity, going on a diet, reduction in alcohol consumption and smoking, avoiding the use of some antiperspirant that contains aluminum, parabens, triclosan, as well as eating healthy foods and taking good supplements.

She said, “in recent times, more women are surviving because of better awareness, better screening, and better treatment.”

The event also saw two members of the Forever family, Funebi Anthony-Bello, and Salome Igboasoyi share their breast cancer survival stories, and how early detection and presentation helped save their lives.