Breast cancer has become a global issue, killing women needlessly everywhere, and Ghana is no exception. It has become the most significant barrier to the health of women within the country, accounting for the majority of hospital admissions and the highest number of fatalities.
While the cause of the breast cancer remains unknown globally, its treatability and most importantly its curability, is completely time dependent. Therefore, a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can have catastrophic results for a woman and her family, lowering her chances of survival drastically.
Consequently, a Kumasi based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Breast Care International (BCI) in collaboration with Peace and Love Hospitals (PLH’s) have been conducting community screening’s over the last 12 years. These screening’s aim to create awareness through education in the ultimate hope of promoting early detection and prompt treatment.
On Sunday the 22nd of February 2015, Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the President of BCI and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PLH’s led a medical team to Agona in the Efigya Sekyere East Constituency of Ashanti Region. Women came from Agona and its environs. The program provided participants an opportunity to learn about breast cancer, its signs, symptoms, risk factors, methods of investigation and treatment options.
Participants were urged to understand the treatable and curable nature of the disease if detected early. To aid in the exercise of early detection, the many women in attendance were shown how to properly perform their own Breast Self-Examination’s (BSE), using the 500 breast sense kits donated by Dr. Wiafe Addai.
Breast cancer survivors from Peace and Love Hospital were also given the opportunity to share their experiences with those present. They encouraged the women not to be scared and to seek help as soon as they detect a problem, so their chances of survival increase. Participants were then provided ample time to ask questions, and answers were provided to their satisfaction allowing the program to take an interactive form.
Following the educational program, the women in attendance were clinically screened for symptoms of breast abnormalities and in particular, breast cancer. Those with abnormalities were referred to the hospital for further investigation and treatment. A blood donation exercise was also conducted to support current and future breast cancer patients in need of blood transfusions.
The program was organised by Peace and Love Hospital’s own resident anaesthetist Kofi Owusu Gyimah. The Hon David Henrich Yeboah, Member of Parliament for the constituency, graced the occasion. Assembly Members, like Hon Samuel Frimpong, and Hon Obeng Asare Bediako, assisted in the organization of the program. The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) proudly sponsored the program.
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