By Iddi Yire
Accra, Oct 31, GNA – As part of activities commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Presidency has organised a Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme for its staff.
A statement issued by the Presidency said the event, which took place at the Banquet Hall on Friday, October 31, was on the theme: “Catch it Early, Treat it Right and Survive it”.
It involved a series of activities, including experience sharing, health talk, panel discussion, open forum and breast cancer screening (at the Clinic).
Nana Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in-charge of Finance and Administration, encouraged periodic screening and that breast cancer was treatable and curable when detected early.
She also reiterated government’s commitment to investing more in health infrastructure, training, access to quality care and medicine.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo noted that it was all a collective duty to support efforts at achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 that aims at reducing maternal mortality and non-communicable diseases such as breast cancer by 2030.
“As we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Office of the President, let us remember that early detection is not just a medical act,” she said.
“It is an act of love, an act of courage, and an act of survival. Let’s catch it early and give life a fighting chance. When we treat it right, we restore hope. And when we survive it, we inspire countless others to do the same.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff added, “No woman, no family, no one should walk this path alone. Let’s fight breast cancer together. Let’s fight not only for a cure but for the dignity and hope and healing for us all.”
She noted that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) covered specialist level treatments for chronic diseases, including breast cancer, and complemented the already existing coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also noted that testimonies by survivors and the increase in public education was making impact and must be sustained.
“To you as survivors, we stand with you in courage and compassion. Let’s all replace stigma with support and silence with solidarity,” she said.
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Deputy Minister of Health, who is also a distinguished surgeon, used the occasion to counsel participants, particularly the female staff, to undergo regular screening.
“Together we can build a future where no one faces breast cancer alone, where survival is not a privilege but a promise.”
The month of October each year is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness month to create awareness, promote early detection and treatment of the disease.
According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, there were an estimated 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally.
GNA
Christian Akorlie