Accra: Dr Robert Amesiya, Acting Greater Accra Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, has encouraged women to regularly screen for breast cancer to ensure early detection and treatment. He emphasized that the capacities and capabilities of health workers have been enhanced to support early detection of breast cancer through clinical examinations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Amesiya was speaking at a media engagement on Wednesday regarding the Beat Breast Cancer Project, which is spearheaded by Jhpiego and funded by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. The project aims to promote continuous public education, accessible screening services, and timely referrals for treatment. Breast cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Ghana, accounting for 31.8 percent of all cancer cases recorded among Ghanaian women.
Dr Amesiya stressed the importance of dispelling myths and misinformation surrounding breast cancer and encouraged survivors to share their experiences to motivate other women to seek early medical care. He highlighted that sharing such stories could help women realize the benefits of early screening and diagnosis. He also urged families to support women in seeking early care and to encourage others to undergo screening for early detection.
In addition, Dr Amesiya advised citizens to advocate, educate, and highlight success stories to inspire hope among women and combat the stigma associated with breast cancer. He called on community leaders to support awareness creation and help break the stigma surrounding the disease.
Mrs Vivian Dwira, the Greater Accra Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, noted that the stigmatisation of breast cancer patients significantly contributes to their mental and financial challenges. She pointed out that many individuals, upon diagnosis, prefer to keep it to themselves, often seeking help when it is too late. Mrs Dwira encouraged both men and women to regularly visit health facilities for screening and testing, suggesting that everyone undergo health screening at least once a year.