1. Know Your Normal
Your breasts change throughout your menstrual cycle — that’s normal. But knowing what’s normal for you helps you spot what isn’t. Learn to perform monthly self-breast exams, ideally a few days after your period. Look out for lumps, discharge, dimpling, or changes in size or color. If something feels off, don’t wait — speak up.
Tip: Use the “mirror method” to visually check your breasts every month.

2. Early Detection Saves Lives
In Nigeria, many breast cancer cases are detected late — not because it can't be found early, but because many women delay hospital visits. Catching cancer early dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment. Routine clinical breast exams and mammograms (for women over 40 or those with family history) are powerful tools in early detection.
Don't be afraid. Be informed.

3. Your Lifestyle Matters
What you eat, how active you are, and even how much you sleep — all influence your breast health. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, combined with regular exercise, can help reduce your risk. Also, limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Your daily choices are seeds. Plant for health.

4. Family History Isn’t a Sentence
Yes, having a family history of breast cancer increases your risk. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It just means you should be more vigilant. Regular screenings and conversations with your doctor can help you stay ahead. Knowledge is power — use it.
Your genes load the gun, but your habits pull the trigger.

5. You Are Not Alone
Fear, shame, and stigma often prevent Nigerian women from speaking up about breast issues. But breast health is not a taboo — it’s a shared concern. Talk to your sisters, mothers, friends, and healthcare providers. Create a circle of courage where breast health is normalized and supported.
Together, we break the silence and save lives.

Final Thought:
Breast health isn't something you think about only in October or only when there's a problem. It's a part of your overall wellness — and it deserves your attention year-round. Let’s make the conversation louder, the checks more regular, and the fear less powerful.
Dear Nigerian woman, your body is worth protecting. Start today.