The Senior Nursing Officer of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Mrs. Abigail York, has cautioned women against the use of bleaching creams, as most contain chemicals that can cause breast cancer.
According to her, some skin lighteners contain a variety of substances, including tropical steroids, hydroquinone, mercury, and hormonally active compounds like phthalates, which are commonly known as fragrances.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Max Morning Dew in Accra on Monday, Mrs. York stated that some hair relaxers also contributed to breast cancer as they contained phthalates.
Although she did not indicate the actual cause of breast cancer, she noted that some lifestyles, like the intake of alcohol, smoking, excess fatty food consumption, not washing the bra frequently, a lack of exercise, and skin bleaching through injections and pills, were risk factors.
Mrs. York said some breast cancers occurred from genetic mutations while others did not, and she advised women to examine themselves monthly after menstruation for early detection of lumps.
“Once every month after your monthly circle, examine the breast for a possible lump. If you detect anything unusual, go to your doctor or visit any health facility for screening. This can save the breast, as you will be treated early to suppress the cancer cells from spreading quickly,” she added.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
