Beach FM’s Breastie Bestie Initiative: Dr. Herzuah shares insights on Breast Cancer preventive measures and myths
Breast cancer, a prevalent disease that occurs in women and rarely in men comes with its myths and misconceptions.
Speaking in an interview on Beach FM‘s Mid Morning Lounge, Dr. Andrew Herzuah, a medical practitioner at the Doctors In-Service Health Center, debunked some of the most common myths about breast cancer and shed light on its preventive measures.
According to Dr Herzuah, some people think breast cancer only occurs in people who have a family history of breast cancer which is not the case.
He clarified that having a family history of breast cancer only increases the risk factors.
Dr. Herzuah acclaimed that it is better to get screened and tested before it is too late, while giving further routines of some common myths people have about breast cancer
He says “people think that doing the mammogram gives you breast cancer, and then there is a common myth that deodorant causes breast cancer but there is no proof at all.”
He continued saying “some people also think that birth control pills and breast implants also cause it but there is no link between implants and breast cancer. Get screened, get tested and then go to the hospital”.
Dr. Herzuah alluded that everyone is at risk of getting breast cancer, men included, with some people having a higher risk factor than others.
He asserts that the preventive measures of breast cancer are linked to the risk factors, and lists several things an individual can do to lower the likelihood of getting breast cancer, which include regular exercise, choosing a healthy diet, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, amongst others
“There are some risk factors you can’t prevent, for instance you are female, you’re growing, you have a family history, but the ones you can do something about like alcohol, you have to limit alcohol intake. Exercise consistently and constantly at least 30 minutes a day, and then also limit taking hormones for post menopausal therapy and it will reduce your risk of breast cancer”, he said.
“Maintain a healthy weight, choose a healthy diet, and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, it is very important to be active”, he added.
