By Solomon Gumah
Sang (N/R), Nov. 05, GNA – The Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO), in collaboration with Episcopal Relief and Development and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has held a breast cancer awareness campaign at selected communities in the Mion District of the Northern Region.
The campaign, which combined community sensitisation and free clinical screening, sought to empower women and men with knowledge on early detection, encourage regular screening, and reduce the stigma associated with breast cancer.
It formed part of ADDRO’s broader commitment to improving community health outcomes, especially among women in underserved areas.
As part of the activities, ADDRO and the GHS facilitated educational sessions and community durbars at Kanimo, Bagmark, Warivi Yapala, Kulkuduli, Warivi and Sambu.
Participants were sensitised on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, myths, and the importance of early detection, while demonstrations on breast self-examination were also conducted to equip participants with practical skills.
Individuals, who showed suspicious signs, were referred to nearby district hospitals for further diagnostic confirmation, and ADDRO field officers coordinated with health workers to ensure follow-up care was provided.
The campaign recorded a high turnout with 149 community members participating comprising 140 females and nine males.
More than 120 women underwent free clinical breast examinations, with several referred for additional medical assessment.
Mr Isaac Ndeoba Abugri, the Project Officer for Health Programmes at ADDRO, said the high turnout and positive feedback reflected growing community interest in preventive health and the success of the collaborative outreach and expressed satisfaction with the impact of the campaign.
“This campaign has been very fulfilling seeing many women, who had never been screened before now, know how to examine their breasts and where to go for help. The smiles and relief we saw on their faces reminds us that awareness is the first step toward early detection and treatment,” he said.
Mr Abdulai Abdul-Fataw, a representative of GHS, commended the initiative and the partnership, noting that such collaborations strengthened public health delivery.
He said “Your support and dedication to promoting health awareness in the Mion District is highly valued. Together, we can continue to make strides in improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of breast cancer in the district.”
Madam Vida Obeng, a midwife, who facilitated the exercise, urged women to perform monthly breast self-examinations and to seek medical screening at the nearest health facility emphasizing that early detection saved lives.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/ Christabel Addo