The Sunyani West Municipal Health Directorate has launched a breast cancer awareness campaign, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
The event, held as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, drew participants, including healthcare professionals, Queen Mothers from Fiapre, survivors, policymakers, market women, and members of the public.
As part of the launch, over 250 participants underwent screenings for breast cancer, blood pressure, hypertension, and body mass index at Fiapre Methodist Church on 16th October.
Rev. Esther Akua Kunadu Prempeh, the Sunyani West Municipal Health Director, in her opening remarks, underscored the urgent need to intensify education on breast cancer across all demographics.
She stressed that breast cancer affects both men and women and urged everyone to stay informed and proactive.
Rev. Esther Akua Kunadu Prempeh urged women to prioritize self-examination and seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes.
In a sideline interview, Rev. Esther Akua Kunadu Prempeh told Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Sunyani-based Ark fm that the campaign aims to educate the public on breast cancer’s causes, effects, and preventive measures.
The director said the Health Directorate plans to conduct mass breast cancer screenings to intensify breast cancer awareness and treatment in Sunyani West Municipal.
“All health facilities in Sunyani West are open to women for breast cancer screening. We encourage everyone to visit any of our facilities for screening and treatment,” she said.
Additionally, Akua Kunadu Prempeh said the Fiapre, Dumasu, and Nsuatre Health Centres also offer cervical cancer screening services.
With the number of breast cancer cases in the Sunyani West municipality, the municipal health director is urging stakeholders to provide a mammogram machine to aid in early detection and treatment.
The Health Director emphasized the importance of having a mammogram machine in the municipality, stating that it would enable residents to access screening services without having to travel long distances.
Jovial Nyarko Ababio, Deputy Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Chiraa government hospital, highlighted lifestyle choices that contribute to breast cancer risk, including being overweight, consuming alcohol, and physical inactivity.
She shared common symptoms, such as new lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple inversion, and skin changes.
She added that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of treatment and improve survival rates, adding that advanced breast cancer cases in Ghana could have been prevented.
Jovial Nyarko Ababio further called for broader collaboration in tackling the disease, urging individuals, institutions, and stakeholders to play an active role.
Nana Ama Serwaa Agyemang, Benkumhemaa of Fiapre in Sunyani West, urged the public to support breast cancer patients in seeking proper treatment and to keep them close. This, she emphasized, can help patients live longer.
Nana Ama Serwaa Agyemang advised women to prioritize their health and welfare over wealth accumulation.
She warned teenagers and women against lifestyles such as substance abuse, alcohol and other social vices that could harm their health, particularly their breasts.
She also charged parents to monitor their children’s associations and lifestyles to prevent peer influence and, from future harm, highlighted the potential risks of frequent use of tight bras to “package” the breast.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari. Ark FM, Sunyani.