Six women identified with breast abnormalities

Offinso, (Ash), Oct. 12, GNA - Six out of 145 women taken through clinical breast screening in the Offinso Municipality were diagnosed of breast abnormalities.

Three had lumps in the breasts, two others suffered from discharging nipples and one had a sore on the nipple. The screening was done as part of the Annual Cancer Awareness Walk organized jointly by the Sister Support Network, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dealing with breast cancer, Ghana Breast Cancer Alliance, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Oncology Directorate, HopeXchange Medical Centre, African Cancer Organization and Offinso Saint Patrick's Hospital. It was to sensitize the people about the need for regular screening of the breast for early detection and treatment of cancers. Madam Mary Agyapong, Executive Secretary of the Sister Support Network, told the Ghana News Agency that the patients would be referred to KATH for further examination and treatment.

The walk attracted hundreds of placard-carrying women and students of some second cycle institutions in the Offinso Municipality.

"Reduce fatty intake and red meat," "Report any bleeding after sex to your Doctor," "Report any lump or swelling in your breast to your Doctor", "Do breast self-screening every month from age 20," "See a Doctor for clinical breast examination every six months" and "Do a mammogram every year from age 50," were some of the messages conveyed by the placards. Madam Agyapong, a retired Principal Midwifery Officer, said self-examination was crucial since early detection and diagnosis would reduce deaths from cancer infections.

Breast cancer is common among women in many parts of the world and accounts for 23 per cent of all female cancers and the rate keeps soaring, particularly in developing countries including Ghana. Madam Agyapong drew attention to the need for people to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water and ensure regular physical body exercises.

They should also disabuse their minds that breast cancer is caused by evil spirits, and that, like any other disease, it is curable if reported early, she said.