The facilitator Dr. Bethel Samson, Co-founder & CEO of Etege & SABA Health, began the session by initiating introductions among members. She guided the discussion towards breast cancer, prompting attendees to share their knowledge and personal experiences related to the disease. Each participant contributed their perspective, with the facilitator explaining that cancer represents a deviation in cellular behavior—a cell that won’t die as required by our body, but instead multiplies due to influences such as genetics, sun exposure, environmental factors, and hormonal imbalances. She went on to explain that an excessive presence of the hormone called estrogen impacts our breast cells create cancer.

There are two classifications of the cause of breast cancer—non-modifiable & modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors as the name suggests cannot be changed, such as our age, when we had our first menstruation, menopause, and genetics. Modifiable factors refer to factors that are under our control, such as taking hormonal contraceptives, hormonal treatments, and our lifestyle.

Dr. Bethel guided members through a self-examination technique that can be done at home in front of a mirror. This involved specific upper body movements and hand motions—easily found on YouTube. Dr. Bethel’s introduced Etege Application as a tool to guide women through self-examination. Furthermore, individuals who never had breast cancer should undergo regular checkups every two years. Those already affected but cured should schedule annual checkups.

Major Takeaways

• Irregular cellular behavior causes cancer, where a cell, expected to die, instead multiplies due to various contributing factors.
• An excess of estrogen in breast cells causes cancer. Symptoms include lumps and pain around the breasts.
• Regular self-examinations and annual or bi-annual check-ups with a doctor are crucial.
• Detecting in its early stages significantly improves the chances of successful treatment compared to later stages, where full recovery becomes more challenging.

By Dr. Bethel Samson, Co-founder & CEO of Etege & SABA Health