Media should champion breast cancer awareness - Minister

Mr Eric Opoku, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister has appealed to the mass media to spearhead the awareness creation on breast cancer.

He pleaded with stakeholders including religious leaders and traditional rulers to initiate educational programmes to sensitize the citizenry on the disease.

Mr Opoku was addressing breast cancer survivors, identifiable groups, the youth and students who participated in an 80 minutes Breast Care International (BCI) Ghana Walk for the Cure 2014 in Sunyani.

BCI is a non-governmental organization with focus on breast cancer awareness and treatment.

It is the fourth walk in the country after previous ones in Accra and Kumasi since 2011.

Mr. Opoku pointed out that available statistics in the Region indicate that the disease is on the increase.

He said intensified advocacy and educational campaigns would reduce prevalence.

He noted that equipment for mammography are available in Sunyani Regional Hospital and therefore urged patients to seek early treatment.

Former President John Agyekum Kufour, who was a Special Guest at the function, implored Ghanaian women to discard the myth and misconceptions about the disease and rather take advantage of science and technology to save and prolong their life span.

He said it is unacceptable in this era of information communication and technology for people not to avail themselves of the prevention and care of breast cancer.

“Stop taking concoctions and anointing oil from spiritualists and pastors and seek medical treatment for the disease,” he advised affected women.

Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of BCI, said deaths resulting from breast cancer in developed countries has reduced, hence efforts should be made to create awareness about the disease in Ghana.

She noted that every 69 seconds a woman dies from breast cancer in Africa while 60 per cent of patients are menopausal ladies.

She therefore advised women of all ages to be concern about their health and undergo mammography and breast examination ones every month to facilitate early detection and prevention.

Dr Mrs Wiafe-Addai, a Breast Cancer Surgeon and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospital in Accra and Kumasi said the disease is a public health problem, which should be tackled by stakeholders.