By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Oct 28, GNA – The Accra Golden Lions Club has donated crocheted breast prosthetics to breast cancer patients at the Tema General hospital.
The donation was to enhance emotional well-being and provide comfort to patients’ post-mastectomy, allowing them to feel more at ease and confident as they navigated recovery.
It also sought to raise awareness about breast cancer, aligning with the Accra Golden Lions Club’s mission of humanitarian service as the world celebrated October as the breast cancer awareness month.
Dr Richard Anthony, Medical Director, Tema General Hospital, said reflecting on the previous years, they could confirm that this year’s celebration of the Month had been particularly widespread and impactful.
He said this year’s theme underscored that no individual should face breast cancer alone, such that the emotional burden of the disease often results in isolation, highlighting the necessity for social support and assistance from healthcare institutions.
The Medical Director said the fear associated with a breast cancer diagnosis posed a significant barrier, leading some individuals to avoid seeking medical attention due to concerns about potential treatments, such as surgery.
“However, it is crucial to emphasise that early detection can save lives”
“Early detection allows for effective management of breast cancer, often enabling the removal of a small lump without the need for more extensive surgery. If the disease is left untreated for an extended period, however, it can become significantly more difficult to manage,” he added.
Dr Anthony said women faced a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to men, and that while breast cancer was less common in men, occurring in approximately one in every 1,000, it was still important for men to perform regular self-examinations.
He advised that both women and men should be proactive in monitoring their breast health, as early detection was key.
The Medical Director said when discussing breast cancer risk factors, several elements including early beginning of menstruation, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity were noteworthy.
He added that additionally, a family history of breast cancer significantly increased the risk, highlighting the importance of genetics in understanding individual susceptibility to the disease,
Dr Anthony said to help prevent breast cancer, it was essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle that included a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, moderation in alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
“Additionally, individuals, particularly women aged 40 and over, should perform annual breast self-examinations and ensure they undergo at least one mammogram each year,” he added.
Madam Nana Kadidia Toure, the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee Chairperson for the Club, said as Lions, they actively engaged in global celebrations and initiatives, offering their support in meaningful ways.
She said the team engaged their contact person from the hospital who expressed concern about breast cancer survivors in their facility, with many of these individuals’ facing challenges in social situations due to the stigma associated with having undergone a mastectomy.
“We donated 100 pieces of crocheted breast prosthetics to the breast cancer patients in the hospital to show our love to them at this time of the month,” she added.
GNA