By Priscilla Oye Ofori, GNA
Accra, Nov. 2, GNA— Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, says preventive approaches will win the fight against breast cancer.
She said individuals and government spent fortunes on treatment and cure of the disease but when detected early or prevented, less resources would be needed to fight it.
Dr Lartey made the call on a visit to the Nsawam Female Prison by the Ministry to offer free breast screening and sensitization as well as donation to the inmates.
Donated items included an undisclosed amount of money to support the refurbishment of the inmates’ kitchen, sanitary pads, washing powder, drinks, water and rice.
Every October is dedicated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This year’s celebration was on the theme: “Catch it Early; Treat it Right; Survive it.”
Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue.
Research shows that breast cancer caused an estimated 670,000 deaths globally in 2022 and approximately 0.5 to 1 per cent of breast cancers occur in men.
The Minister said early detection through frequent screening, proper treatment and sustained awareness were the three vital pillars that saved lives.
“…When breast cancer is detected early, treated and properly managed, survival rates increase dramatically,” she stated.
Dr Lartey noted that breast cancer remained one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana and across the world, yet, many of the deaths could be prevented.
She said breast cancer was a medical condition as well as a national health and social concern that affected livelihoods, families and communities across the country.
The Minister therefore encouraged the citizenry to promote health-seeking behaviours and disregard fear, stigma, cultural beliefs and economic barriers that prevented women from accessing medical attention.
Dr Lartey advocated continuous awareness creation, expansion of access to affordable screening as well as ensuring that treatment and care were delivered with dignity and compassion.
She emphasized government’s continuous prioritization of healthcare interventions, strengthening primary health systems and expanding access to quality healthcare information in urban and rural communities.
The Minister assured the inmates who had the cancer that they would be supported by the Ministry through their journey to healing.
Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Mrs Victoria Adzewodah, Officer-in-Charge, Nsawam Female Prison, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for extending their sensitisation and free breast screening exercise to the facility.
“This thoughtful initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to equity, inclusivity and its recognition that health awareness and preventive care must reach every woman – regardless of her circumstance or location,” she added.
DDP Adzewodah said the sensitisation exercise was an opportunity for learning more about breast cancer – its symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures.
“We are taking a collective step towards promoting the overall well-being of women of this outfit,” she added.
GNA
2 Nov. 2025
Edited By Samuel Osei-Frempong