Chemotherapy, the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, remain one of the key components in the war against breast cancer – and has done so for more than forty years. Presently there are new drugs and combination of drugs, which are more effective and easier on patients than ever.
Breast cancer cells are tough adversaries said Dr. Clifford Hudis, Chief of the breast cancer medicine service of memorial Sloan-Kettering medical center in New York. “So we use drugs to destroy them at all stages of the disease”. They may be the main treatment, he explained, for women whose cancer is spread, at time of diagnosis or if it spreads widely after initial treatment. Given before surgery, anti-cancer drugs can shrink tumors, making it easier to remove. After surgery, drugs can reduce the chances of breast cancer returning.
Researches analyzed 37,000 cases worldwide during a period of fifteen years (15yrs), showed that those whose tumors were estrogen receptor positive, took either tamoxifen or a placebo for five years, those who had taken the drugs had a 47% reduction in breast cancer recurrence and 26% reduction in death compared to women who hadn’t taken the drug.
These studies showed that tamoxifen reduced the chance of cancer developing in the breast by almost half. These benefits occurred, regardless of the woman’s age, menstrual status, whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph glands or whether the woman had chemotherapy.
 B.C.F. as a care giver foundation in addition to counseling give free drugs to breast cancer patients who are less privileged, this is mostly done in the course of sensitization programmes, hospital / home visitations.
In addition to this, B.C.F. is also committed to assisting breast patients who are less privileged, maintain a positive outlook after surgery by offering breast prosthesis and mastectomy bra to them, as breast reconstruction which could have been an alternative is almost impossible in view of economic condition in our country Nigeria.
B.C.F also teach the patients how to make breast prosthesis (artificial breasts) and mastectomy bras with locally available materials.
Breast prosthesis also called breast form is worn externally to closely stimulate the look of a natural breast and help restore the body balance personally and self-confidence. The wearing of the weighted silicone breast form, best helps the body maintain it’s balance which may prevent back / neck and posture problems. Light weight-silicone breast forms offer options to those women who have other medical needs and conditions. All silicon breast forms come in variety of concepts, shapes, sizes and colours to accommodate various body types, breast shapes and surgery.
A traditional breast form is usually worn in specifically fitted post mastectomy bra with a stitched pocket to hold the form in place.
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