By Blessing Alawode
A Clinical Anatomist and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Ladipo Taiwo Olatoye, has said making a woman reach orgasm is one of the ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, as against the popular myth that sucking the breast can prevent the disease.
Speaking on a weekly episode of Eve’s Lounge Hosted by Damilola Amoo and Juliet Buna on Crest 91.1FM, Ibadan, Olatoye said unfortunately, many men do not know how to make women reach orgasm, attributing this, among other factors, to female genital mutilation.
“Making a woman reach orgasm is one of the ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Sucking the breast does not prevent breast cancer,” he said.
Explaining the possible health benefits behind his position, Olatoye said sexual activity and orgasm may have effects on the immune system, stress levels and hormones, all of which are important to overall health.
He explained that sexual activity, including orgasm, may have a temporary effect on immune function, while orgasms release hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. According to him, hormonal changes involving testosterone, estrogen and oxytocin may also have implications for overall health, although the direct relationship between orgasm and cancer development is not fully understood.
The sonographer also said any female of reproductive age from the age of 15 is vulnerable to breast cancer, while women with larger breasts may face a higher risk and greater difficulty detecting abnormalities early.
He said, “Any female from the age of 15 years and above, as long as you are of reproductive age, you are prone to breast cancer.”
According to him, women should also avoid wearing bras for prolonged periods, recommending a maximum of eight hours a day.
“Don’t wear your bra for more than eight hours,” he advised.
Olatoye, who has nine years of experience as a medical sonographer, said he had encountered several women with benign breast lesions and diagnosed more than ten cases of malignant lesions that were later confirmed through biopsy.
Explaining the importance of biopsy, he said, “When you see something suspicious, you take that tissue out and send it to the laboratory for histopathology. That is what confirms whether it is malignant or not.”
He noted that breast cancer can be painful or painless and advised women not to wait until they experience symptoms before seeking medical attention.
On the causes of breast cancer, Olatoye stressed that not every case is hereditary, noting that other factors can contribute to the development of the disease.
“Eighty per cent of women that have breast cancer, it is not related to genetics or hereditary at all,” he said.
He added that breast cancer can be treated depending on the stage and extent of the disease, with surgical options including mastectomy and lumpectomy, among other forms of treatment.
Olatoye also encouraged women to undergo regular breast checks, noting that early detection improves the chances of treatment.
He said breast ultrasound is relatively cheaper at state and federal hospitals, with the cost generally ranging between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000.
The sonographer further advised women who have previously been treated for breast cancer to continue with regular checks because of the possibility of recurrence or spread to other parts of the body.
He advised, “Just know yourself, know your normal from abnormal.”
