By Stephandy Kyeraah/Priscilla Ama Adjei/Augustine Asiedu Asamoah
Accra, Oct. 2, GNA – Ghanaians are being urged to make breast cancer screening a regular part of their healthcare, since early detection could save lives.
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
A section of the public, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, have shared personal experiences of loss and survival. Some recounted their experiences with the disease, shared some misconceptions and stressed the importance of paying attention to changes in the breast.
Madam Monica Appiah, a trader, said she lost a cousin to breast cancer after the family failed to recognise the seriousness of the symptoms early.
“My cousin had a pain and started tying money inside her bra on that same breast. It turned into a big wound, but she kept quiet until it was too late,” she said.
“Breast cancer really kills, so if I hear about free screening anywhere, I will go,” Madam Appiah added.
Another trader, Eunice Adjei, recounted how early detection helped her sister survive the disease after a lump was discovered during a screening exercise.
“It was at an early stage, so she had surgery and now she is fine,” she said.
She encouraged women to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and to seek medical attention when they noticed unusual changes.
Ms Adjei also advised women to avoid practices that could cause discomfort, including sleeping in extremely tight bras or keeping money inside their underwear.
At the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IL), Mr Godfred Aboagye Bonsu, a male student, said he was surprised when health workers examined his chest during a health screening exercise.
“I was surprised because I am a guy, but they explained to me that breast cancer can happen to men too, even though it is rare. My check-up was fine, and I advise every guy and girl to go and get tested,” he said.
Other students, including Ms Ana Wood and Ophelia Ablendu, urged people to pay attention to possible warning signs such as unusual pain, nipple discharge and changes in the size or appearance of the breast.
They called on churches, schools, health facilities and other organisations to organise regular and free breast cancer screening exercises across the country to enable more people to access early checks.
They also appealed for increased public education to dispel misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and encourage people to seek professional medical care when they noticed unusual symptoms.
Health professionals have cautioned that practices such as touching or sucking the breast do not cure breast cancer, while wearing a normal bra does not cause the disease.
The public is therefore encouraged to seek medical attention at a hospital or clinic when they detect an unusual lump, pain or other changes in the breast.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah