Women shouldn't use herbal medicine for cancers

Women should not use of unapproved herbal concoctions and drugs for the treatment of breast and cervical cancer, according to Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI).

She said they should undertake regular self examination of their breast and seek early treatment at hospitals if they found any abnormality in their breasts.

Dr Mrs Wiafe-Addai was addressing a cross-section of women on the causes of breast and cervical cancers and its impact on the socio-economic development of the nation.

The Friday event was part of activities marking the International Women’s Day, at the Peace and Love Hospital at Oduom, near Kumasi.

The educational campaign, which was under the theme “time for action to end ignorance about cancers”, was organized by BCI in conjunction with the Peace and Love Hospital and participants also received free breast and cervical cancer screening at the hospital.

Dr Mrs Wiafe-Addai said even though the cause of the disease is still not known, women should be aware of the risk factors and work towards its prevention.

She said some of the risk factors include; a woman with a family history, early or late menses, infected breast, giving birth to only one child and childlessness.

Dr Mrs Wiafe-Addai said the disease is real and has a high prevalence rate worldwide and debunked the notion that it was caused by witchcraft saying this erroneous perception prevented most women from seeking early treatment.

She advised women to seek credible and certified information on the disease and endeavour to propagate the message.