“There are currently 10 cases of diagnosed breast cancer reported from women who were identified as victims of breast ironing. You can imagine using a wooden pestle or heated iron sheet to massage the young girls’ breasts and pound it down. A recent study by Mela Fotabong et al, on the “Prevalence, Awareness and Adverse Outcomes of Breast Ironing among Cameroonian Women in Buea Health District” revealed that victims of breast ironing experienced adverse breast outcomes. The researchers advocated health education and the introduction of legislation against breast ironing to eliminate the harmful traditional practice. They recommended further research to understand the drivers of breast ironing in other regions where it is practised.

Source: Punch January 07, 2024 08:39 UTC