A midwifery officer of the Sunyani branch of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng Awuah, has advised all women to promote continuous examination and assessment of their breasts one week after every menstruation period to ensure early detection of the disease and increase chances of survival.
Speaking to Ark FM News reporter Kwaku Mensah Abrampa during a two-day breast screening program organized by Abronoma Foundation and other NGOs at Suma and Goka, communities within the Jaman North District, Madam Awuah revealed that breast cancer is a serious ailment that affects the well-being of both men and women.
She denoted that early detection of breast cancer will improve early prevention, indicating that whenever a lump is detected in the breast as a result of self-examination, one must quickly report to the nearest health facility for further scientific check-ups to determine the real cause of the said lump in the breast since several other conditions can cause such in breasts.
Madam Awuah added that there has not been any scientific proof of the causes of breast cancer among women, but however, there are risk factors that contribute to breast cancer, which include the excessive intake of Postinor 2 and other emergency contraceptives, smoking, alcohol intake, genetic factors, and other contributive factors, hence the need for regular examination and regular visitation to health facilities.
Mrs. Linda Nyarko Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer of the Abronoma Foundation, spoke to newsmen on why she collaborated with the Ghana Aids Commission, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana and MOE Africa Innovation to embark on this important program,
She indicated that October is considered Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hence their decision to engage students and community members in sensitization of breast cancer and offer free breast and HIV screening to deepen awareness of the diseases and save lives.
Beneficiaries of the program expressed gratitude to Abronoma Foundation and the partner institutions for considering their health by engaging them in free health screening.
They advised Ghanaians to take part in programs of this nature to learn their health status and to help them make the best decisions for themselves.