Dr. Nwamaka Lasebekon, the National President of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), expressed deep concern on Monday regarding Nigeria's current standing as the country with the highest breast cancer mortality rate worldwide. She made this alarming revelation in Enugu during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Association's 6th Annual General Conference, which is taking place in the Coal City State.

Lasebekon emphasized that this situation demands urgent attention from all stakeholders to mitigate the human and economic toll posed by this disease. According to the ARCON President, "Breast cancer is a pressing issue; it is the most prevalent form of cancer among women and a leading cause of death. What makes it particularly devastating for women in our country is that it primarily affects those in their reproductive years."

"So, when a woman falls victim to cancer, the government experiences a substantial loss in revenue. It's important to remember that women play a pivotal role in running households, ensuring the well-being of children, and maintaining the overall harmony of the home.

"The burden and economic loss associated with the loss of a single woman to breast cancer are significant."

Lasebekon categorized the risk factors into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable.

"Non-modifiable factors include being female, which inherently increases the risk of breast cancer," she explained. "Additionally, having a close relative, specifically a first-degree relative, with breast cancer also significantly amplifies the risk."

"When it comes to modifiable factors, research has indicated that women who breastfeed their children can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Other modifiable factors include lifestyle choices such as a diet high in starchy and processed foods.

"In the past, our ancestors consumed carbohydrates, but they were not processed. However, with changing lifestyles, we have shifted towards a more Westernized diet, consuming a greater quantity of processed foods, which is a risk factor, among others," she elaborated.

However, the ARCON President expressed concern about the impact of religious beliefs on early cancer diagnosis and treatment. She revealed, "Some individuals attribute cancer to supernatural causes, claiming it was caused by an arrow or some mystical occurrence. We must dispel such beliefs. Cancer, like hypertension and diabetes, falls within the realm of chronic diseases and should be approached as such."