By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Somanya (E/R), Oct. 14, GNA – A pharmacist has urged women to overcome fear and embarrassment and seek breast cancer screening, warning that reluctance to undergo examinations could delay early detection and treatment.
Mr Eugene Adamtey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Eugenex Clinic and Pharmacies, made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Somanya in the Eastern Region during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
He said some women avoided breast examinations because of shyness, making public education and a supportive environment essential to encouraging screening.
Mr Adamtey said the facility was offering free breast examinations throughout October and a 50 per cent discount on breast ultrasound scans to make screening more accessible.
“Women are naturally shy about their bodies, which is why we have kept more female staff to ensure the breast examinations,” he said.
He said the initiative also sought to promote preventive healthcare, stressing that people should not wait until they became ill before visiting a health facility.
“One of the things I have noticed when it comes to healthcare is cost. So, when we eliminate cost, people can prioritise healthcare,” the CEO said.
The breast ultrasound scan, which previously cost GHc100 at the facility, was being offered at half price, he added.
Mr Adamtey said only five women had used the screening service at the time of the interview, expressing concern that many people sought medical care only when they became ill.
He urged women to seek medical attention if they noticed unusual breast changes, including lumps, and not to allow fear or embarrassment to prevent them from being examined.
He explained that further assessment would depend on factors such as a patient’s age, medical history and symptoms.
Women with suspicious breast lumps or other abnormalities would be referred to appropriate facilities for further diagnostic procedures, including mammograms or biopsies, where necessary, he said.
Mr Adamtey said the clinic had not set a specific target for the number of women to screen during October. However, it had deployed additional female staff to conduct examinations and educate patients on preventive healthcare.
He said the initiative would run throughout October, with further interventions planned according to emerging health needs.
He called on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to intensify public education on breast cancer and preventive healthcare through community outreach programmes in rural and urban areas.
“Ghana is currently doing better in the month of October, but the campaign still needs to be intensified,” he said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form tumours that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
The WHO estimates that 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, while 694,000 deaths were recorded.
The disease can affect women in every country, with the risk increasing with age.
Factors associated with increased risk include older age, obesity, harmful alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer, radiation exposure, tobacco use and certain reproductive and hormonal factors.
The WHO says early detection and timely treatment are important in reducing the impact of breast cancer.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Kamal Ahmed
Reporter’s Email Address: [email protected]