By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
Zenu, Oct. 20, GNA -Men have been urged to take an active role in breast cancer awareness by encouraging early medical checks and providing emotional and financial support to women undergoing diagnosis and treatment.
Madam Linda Nyantakyi, a Midwifery Officer at Zenu Polyclinic, said breast cancer awareness should not be regarded as a responsibility exclusively for women, as men could help their wives, mothers, sisters and other relatives to recognise symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), she said men could support women by helping them access health services, accompanying them to appointments and providing financial and emotional assistance during treatment.
Madam Nyantakyi said October, observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October, provided an opportunity to educate the public about breast health, early detection and timely treatment.
She urged women to pay attention to unusual changes in their breasts, including lumps, and promptly seek medical assessment rather than delay treatment.
She also encouraged women to consult qualified health professionals about appropriate screening and adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity and limiting alcohol consumption.
Madam Nyantakyi further encouraged mothers to breastfeed where possible, noting that breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.
She cautioned, however, that no single preventive measure could eliminate the risk of developing the disease.
The midwifery officer also reminded the public that men could develop breast cancer, although the disease was far more common among women.
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 0.5 to one per cent of breast cancer cases occur in men, underscoring the need for men to pay attention to unusual breast changes and seek medical assessment when necessary.
Ghana’s 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes”, with a focus on early detection, timely diagnosis and treatment.
At the national launch, health authorities reported an estimated 4,650 new breast cancer cases and about 2,060 deaths annually, highlighting the continuing public health challenge posed by the disease.
Madam Nyantakyi urged families and communities to work together to promote breast health education, reduce stigma, and encourage people with concerns about symptoms to seek professional care.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Comfort Sena Fetrie Akagbor, GNA
Email: [email protected]