By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, Sept. 30, GNA- The International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) has launched its Pink October campaign in Tema, with a call on Ghanaians to take early action on breast cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
The launch, held under the theme: “Early Action, Better Outcome”, brought together Members of Parliament from Tema West, Central and East health directors, health professionals; hospital staff; stakeholders and members of the public to promote awareness and underscore the importance of early detection.
As part of the launch, participants took part in a “Pink Promise Challenge”, making personal commitments on the specific roles they would play throughout the Pink Month to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage early screening, and support prevention efforts.
Dr Vitus Victor Anaab-Bisi, Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) ImaH, said breast cancer remained a significant public health concern, accounting for about one-third of all new cancers among women, saying that in 2024, more than 5,400 new breast cancer cases were recorded, with 2,695 deaths in Ghana.
Dr Anaab-Bisi said behind these figures were women and families whose lives were affected by the disease, stressing that late detection often made treatment more difficult and worsened outcomes, while early detection significantly improved the chances of effective treatment and survival.
He said this year’s theme emphasised the importance of taking timely action, such as early screening, diagnosis, and treatment, which could give patients a better chance of managing the disease successfully.
IMaH would provide free breast cancer screening to clients who visit the hospital throughout October and breast cancer education and awareness programmes in communities and workplaces, including outreach to corporate partners and individuals who would require further assessment.
As part of the Pink October, the hospital would provide significant discounts on mammograms and ultrasound scans to support timely diagnosis and follow-up care.
Mr James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West, said breast and prostate cancers were two conditions that continue to affect families in Tema West and across Ghana, adding that fear, inadequate information, myths and misconceptions, screening and treatment costs, belief that cancer could not happen to oneself often discourage people from seeking medical attention.
Mr Enu stressed the importance of open conversations, awareness, regular screening, and early action and encouraged women to pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek appropriate screening rather than waiting until they become ill.
As part of the Pink October activities, the MP announced plans, in collaboration with partners, to provide free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination as well as free breast cancer awareness and screening exercises across the constituency.
Dr Mercy Obrempong Owusu, Tema West Municipal Director of Health, said breast cancer also affected men, making awareness and screening relevant to everyone and urged men to take their health seriously so they could encourage the women in their families, workplaces and communities to seek timely screening.
Dr Owusu who chaired the launch encouraged Ghanaians to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, to practice regular breast awareness, speak openly about the disease without stigma, and book screening when appropriate and appealed to the public to get checked early for early detection and prevention.
She encouraged employers to institute health screening, as part of employee welfare, and called on the media to amplify breast cancer awareness across communities.
Participants toured the facility, where they were introduced to the modern AI-powered equipment being utilised to enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Email: elizabeth.baah.gna.org.gh