Fight against Breast Cancer : 1 Breast lump detected out of 151 screen in Bolgatanga Zongo

As Ghana and the rest of the world streamlines measures in eliminating Breast Cancer through awareness, screening and medication, the Eastside life Hospital in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region has carried out two days health screening for residents of Bolgatanga Sabon Zongo with a massive turn out.

Health conditions like breast cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and other health issues were screened and medications given to patients.

Complicated conditions were referred to the Eastside life Hospital for further clinical examination.

As part of Eastside life Hospital's breast cancer week awareness program, 151 women out of the over 700 people diagnosed for various ailments, were screened for breast cancer for the two days of health screening and only one breast lump was detected for further diagnosis and treatment.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening.

Invasive cancers can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasize). Metastasis can be life-threatening and fatal.

Treatment is based on the person, the type of cancer and its spread. Treatment combines surgery, radiation therapy and medications.

According to the beneficiaries of the health screening, the health outreach to the Zongo Communities is worth a treasure given to them due to the difficulties and the financial ability in accessing health care services.

Most of the women screened for breast cancer were grateful to Eastside life Hospital for not only the screening, but also educating them on the dangers of Breast Cancer and how to prevent it. Others said, it is the first time they got to know about diseases of the Cancer and that, they will be ambassadors of breast cancer awareness in the Zongo Communities which falls in line with Eastside life Hospital's awareness road map on breast cancer.

The awareness is still ongoing at the hospital with several community outreaches to target more women especially in the Bolgatanga municipality.