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The Ladies Club of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), a subsidiary of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has organized a breast cancer awareness program for staff of COCOBOD and market women in the central business district of Accra.
The program was aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, encouraging regular screening, and promoting early detection.
In his brief remarks before the commencement of the campaign, the Director of Human Resources of COCOBOD, Mr. Francis Gyamfi Ocran, stressed the need for all to ensure regular screening. According to him, the consequence of breast cancer goes beyond individuals, adding that families are affected most and this makes prevention, early detection, and a community support system vital.
Mr. Gyamfi reiterated the numerous efforts made by the Board over the years in providing the needed logistics for breast cancer screening and other health-related issues. “Our commitment to breast cancer awareness goes beyond today. We offer support to our employees through wellness programs and healthcare benefits, and this year through CHED, we have taken this further to provide free screening services to our neighbors” he said.
He encouraged all, especially women, to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of the disease as collective efforts are made to fight and work towards creating a world where breast cancer is no longer a threat.
Chief Pharmacist at the Cocoa clinic, Dr. Edward Amporful echoed the importance of breast screening and early detection. Dr. Amporful spoke on topics such as risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures.
He stressed the significance of self-examination and advised that women should have regular checks at the end of their monthly menstrual cycle to help with early detection and increase the chances of successful treatment. He also emphasized the importance of cocoa consumption as it contains antioxidants that help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The market women present were elated and expressed joy over the free screening. Madam Ayisha Mohammed, a beneficiary of the screening exercise expressed her gratitude to COCOBOD for this initiative. “I am grateful that COCOBOD is doing this for free and I don’t have to pay anything to get screened,” she said.
This initiative exemplifies commitment to promoting health and well-being among staff and within the wider community.
