By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Chiana (U/E), Nov 4. GNA – The Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO), a faith-based organisation, has sensitised and screened 288 women for breast cancer across communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District and the Builsa North Municipality.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), was conducted in 14 communities across the two districts, brought together 248 caregivers and 40 other community members.
Six suspected cases of breast cancer were identified during the screening and referred to the Sandema Hospital in the Builsa North Municipality for further medical examination and appropriate management.
The initiative formed part of ADDRO’s Early Childhood Development programme, dubbed “Moments That Matter (MTM),” which is being implemented in six regions of Ghana with funding support from Episcopal Relief & Development, a United States-based organisation.
The programme seeks to promote healthy motherhood and ensure the optimal growth, development and survival of children from conception to age three.
Reverend Father Wisdom Ayaaba Asuuga, Field Officer for Integrated Early Childhood Development at ADDRO, Builsa North, said the exercise formed part of activities marking October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“The aim is to help our caregivers and mothers detect problems early and seek the necessary medical support while also improving their knowledge about the disease and encouraging early detection through regular breast examinations and clinical screening,” he stated.
Mrs Elizabeth Howard, a Midwifery Officer at the Chiana Health Centre in the Kassena-Nankana West District, with support from four other health personnel, educated participants on breast cancer, its signs and symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures.
Mrs Howard explained that factors such as advancing age, family history, previous breast conditions and lifestyle choices could increase the risk of developing the disease.
“When you practise monthly breast self-examinations and undergo annual clinical breast examinations, it will improve the chances of detecting abnormalities early. I will, therefore, encourage all women to examine their breasts regularly and report any abnormalities to a health facility,” she urged.
Mrs Bertha Ali, also a midwife at the Chiana Health Centre, cautioned that breast cancer could become life-threatening when not detected early.
She urged members of the public to visit health facilities for screening rather than waiting until symptoms became severe before seeking medical attention.
“This is so important because early detection and timely medical intervention are crucial in improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer,” she added.
Mrs Asaah Beleripua, a beneficiary, said it was her first time participating in a breast cancer awareness and screening exercise and expressed appreciation to ADDRO and its partner for the initiative.
“I want to thank ADDRO for being concerned about our health. This is my first time participating in an exercise like this, and it has made me aware of the dangers breast cancer poses to our health and what we can do to prevent it. I am very grateful for that,” she said.
Ms Dorcas Apejona, another beneficiary, also said it was her first time having her breasts screened, adding that the sensitisation had enhanced her understanding of the signs and symptoms, risk factors and prevention of breast cancer.
“I also want to use this opportunity to urge my fellow women to take their health seriously and utilise available screening services. Breast cancer, as I have learnt today, is real and should not be taken for granted,” she added.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]