Ridge Medical Center chief executive Dr David Sunu says there is no robust evidence that men sucking women’s breasts reduces the risk of breast cancer.
“What is known is that breastfeeding is known to reduce the likelihood of breast cancer; as to whether when men suck breasts as well, we don’t have robust data to back that,” he said at the launch of the centre’s Pink October campaign in Accra on Monday, October 5.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been observed in October since the eighties. It is known as “Pink October”, with the colour and pink ribbon used worldwide to promote prevention and regular screening for early diagnosis.
Dr Sunu said increasing cases among women in Ghana were partly linked to limited education, reliance on herbal medicines and religious preferences, which could delay medical treatment.
“If you screen and then we pick up any anomalies, it allows us to do more, which would then protect more women from dying from breast cancer,” he said.
He warned that there was insufficient evidence to establish the effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating cancer. Relying on untested remedies, he added, could postpone hospital treatment until the disease had spread to other organs, limiting what medical science could do.
“There is a lot of scientific data behind what treatment modalities are effective for different kinds of cancers; we do not have the same for herbal treatment for cancers,” he said, urging patients to choose treatment that was “tried and tested” and supported by statistics.
Dr Sunu called on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to establish stronger screening and early-detection programmes beyond October. Removing a lump or cancerous tissue before it spreads can make treatment and cure more likely, while late diagnosis makes the condition more difficult to manage.
He said awareness activities should be incorporated into the daily work of health facilities, supported by continuing structures and training. Women aged above 40 should have easier access to mammograms, including in rural areas. The X-ray examination is used to identify possible cancerous tissue in the breasts.
He also advised every woman to have a clinical breast examination at least once a year. Men can develop breast cancer, but 99% of cases occur in women, he said.
Resident Medical Officer Dr Kwame Owusu Achew listed early menarche, late menopause, the use of emergency contraceptives such as Postino, smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to radiation among possible risk factors. A family history of breast cancer and previous breast problems may also increase risk, although people without any of those factors can still develop the disease.
He urged people not to avoid screening because of fear. Patients diagnosed at a late stage often say they wish they had discovered the condition earlier, he said. Those receiving treatment may also be offered psychotherapy to help them manage anxiety about the disease.
