Ghana News–The Head of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai has appealed to government and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to upscale the awareness creation of breast cancer disease in the country.
This, the cancer surgeon noted will help women to become aware of the negative effects of the disease and also encourage them to report any strange or unusual occurrences they see in their breasts for treatment.
Speaking at an outreach program put together by ladies of Gold-star Bogoso/ Prestea Limited in Prestea, Dr Wiafe Addai said the time for action against the spread of breast cancer is now.
She urged medical practitioners accredited with the Ghana Health Service to rather step out of their offices or wards by reaching out to women needful information for them to keep their breasts safe and checked at all times.
‘’It is now time for us as medical practitioners to leave our comfort zones or wards and step out there in the hinterlands and secluded communities with the message of keeping the breasts examined at all times’’, Dr Wiafe Addai intimated.
GENERAL MANAGER:
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Rodney Oddoye, General Manager for Gold Star Bogoso/Prestea Limited expressed delight of the company in partnering with BCI to undertake periodic breast screening for women in the Western Region.
The Gold-star Ladies Association, the GM noted is desirous of conducting outreach programs in the localities they operate to ensure early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
On her part, Philipa Varris, Vice-President-Corporate Responsibility Department of GBPL commended the company’s ladies for their commitment to screening about 1,040 women for breast cancer in 30 communities within the Bogoso/Prestea enclave.
This, she noted has enabled 270 lives to be saved from breast cancer while helping others to get early treatment for signs of the disease.
MUNICIPAL HEALTH DIRECTOR/MCE:
Speaking at the function, Emmanuel Kofi Tamakloe, Municipal Health Director for Prestea/Bogoso/Huni Valley underscored the importance of women testing or getting examined for breast cancer.
‘It is critical that women and ladies at periodic intervals get their breasts examined by their partners so as to be able to get early treatment anytime they find unusual signs or symptoms in the breast’, Dr Tamakloe noted.
Mr Mozart Kwaku Owoo, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Prestea/Bogoso Huni Valley commended the collaborative effort of BCI and Gold-Star Limited and urged that they upscale the drive to ensure all women test for breast cancer or get treatment if there are signs.
He pledged government’s commitment to investing into the health of citizens but called for support to ensure it can reach all in the country with assistance.