One of my first few patients at the beginning of my medical practice in 2017 was an oncology patient who had breast cancer with a complication of pleural effusion. The patient was in her early fifties and I can still remember her face vividly. We tried all we could till the very end for her as she eventually died despite courses of chemotherapy and surgical interventions. Her daughter was barely eighteen years of age and she almost tore me to threads when I broke the news to her. After the incident, I told my consultant that the daughter would need counseling as she was at risk of malignancy as genetics is implicated in cancers also. I doubt if I see her today I would recognize her although we made our efforts to sensitize her on need for periodic screening.
I had a friend in her reproductive age, a mother of one child who had a breast lump and had the lump excised. It is a good practice to have a histological review of any tissue or organ removed from one’s body and this was the case for this friend of mine. She had abandoned her histology result until I practically compelled her to get the result and when she did? The result came out indicative of elements of malignancy. It was a difficult moment for her to accept the result and especially the medical advice I gave her. I had to encourage her be seen by a specialist preferably an oncologist specialist for the best modality of management.
She withdrew from me especially not wanting to pick my calls or refraining from discussing the health issue whenever the opportunity arose.
These are few out of many scenarios that could better be protected or prepared against malignancies. I would not pester too much to lose the chance of her having a proper follow up however, with gentle nudges when the atmosphere is receptive, I would encourage her for continued follow-up.
Friends like this with risk or potential risk factors would benefit from screening as early diagnosis and management do help to improve life. Identifying and minimizing habits or risk factors would go a long way in slowing down the progression of cancer. Many times, the thoughts of a disease kills faster than the disease itself and this is why giving as much social and psychological support would be needed.
I know there is always the fear of hearing what we do not want to hear but, it is vital to be certain and take precautionary measures when the truth is laid before us.
I won't end this conversation by admonishing her and everyone at risk for cancer to focus less on cancer precipitants such as processed foods, radiation sources, alcohol and tobacco consumption and we are to focus more on fruits and vegetables, and to some, more of exercises, healthy sexual living, less of sedentary lifestyle, distancing oneself from possible and repeated exposure to radiation.
Generally, cancer causes are unknown but some risk factors can be pointed out and yes, we should value and keep our health as high priority.
Thank you for your time and it is hoped that we can be a pillar of support to anyone battling with cancer.