Actress Winnie Bwire has opened up about her personal battle against breast cancer.
During a conversation with YouTuber Lynn Ngugi, the actress, who is widely recognized as Dida, discussed the profound impact her diagnosis had on her, as she grappled with maintaining her well-being alongside her professional obligations and family duties.
Winnie recounted her realization of distressing symptoms that initially went unnoticed, highlighting her lack of awareness regarding their gravity.
“I started noticing my hand was swelling I told Dan about it, you’re always told the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer are matiti kutoa pus, blood, or kupata pimple, but those are the last symptoms. I used to get fatigued, and I would wake up telling Dan that I’m exhausted, but I just thought it was because of work,” she recounted.
As the symptoms persisted and new ones emerged, Dida sought medical attention.
“During my periods, my underarm was twitching, and I felt like I could feel my heartbeat, then the second month my period came and ended, but the pain remained,” she said.
Detecting breast cancer early is crucial for successful treatment. There are various methods we can detect cancer early enough. They include:
- Breast Self-Exams (BSE): Regular self-exams can help you become familiar with the normal texture and appearance of your breasts. Any changes, such as lumps, swelling, or skin changes, should be promptly reported to a healthcare professional.
- Clinical Breast Exams (CBE): These are conducted by a healthcare provider during regular check-ups. They can help identify any abnormalities or changes in your breast tissue that might need further investigation.
- Mammograms: Mammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. Regular mammograms, especially for women over 40 or with a family history of breast cancer, can help detect cancer at an early stage.
- Genetic Testing: If you have a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), genetic testing can help identify your risk level and guide early detection strategies.
- Clinical Imaging: Other imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI may be used for further evaluation if a suspicious lump or area is found.
- Regular Check-ups: Consistent visits to a healthcare provider for routine check-ups can aid in monitoring any changes in your breasts over time.
