By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Oct. 16, GNA – The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has combined breast cancer awareness and screening with entrepreneurship training for its female members in the Upper East Region as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative, held at the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, sought to promote early detection of breast cancer, and equip women with skills to improve their livelihoods.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the programme, Mr Joseph Jones Paa Kwasi Boakye Nomocle, the Regional Industrial Relations Officer for the HSWU, said the campaign was aimed at educating Union members on breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
“Our message is simple: ‘Save a boob and save a life,’” he said, and explained the significance of the pink T-shirts worn by members during the activity.
October is observed annually as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise public awareness of the disease and promote early detection.
This year’s theme is: “Early Action, Better Outcomes.”
Mr Nomocle noted that although breast cancer affected both women and men, women remained the primary focus of most awareness campaigns as they accounted for the greater proportion of cases.
As part of the sensitization programme, female members received practical training in liquid soap production to equip them with additional income-generating skills.
Mr Nomocle said the participants were given the necessary ingredients and equipment to demonstrate what they had learnt, and expressed satisfaction with their ability to reproduce the soap-making process.
“Money plays a very significant role when one is ill or sick. We are, therefore, empowering our women to acquire skills and engage in activities that can generate additional income,” he said.
The officer encouraged the participants to apply the skills acquired at the training and consider turning soap production into small businesses to supplement their earnings.
He said the initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Union’s Women’s Committee, the Regional Council and members at the Upper East Regional Hospital.
Mr Nomocle announced that the Union would continue the campaign with another breast cancer awareness programme at the War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo.
He urged members of the public, particularly women, to prioritize breast cancer screening and seek medical attention promptly when they noticed unusual changes in their breasts.
Mr Nomocle noted that early detection was essential to improve the chances of successful treatment.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email address:[email protected]