Dr Isaac Antwi, a Surgeon at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has urged women to visit the hospital regularly to screen their breasts for early detection of symptoms of breast cancer.

He also advised the general public to refrain from taking too much fatty foods since cancers could occur from fats.

Dr Antwi, who is affiliated with Patmos Medical Centre at Nkoranza in the Brong-Ahafo Region; was delivering a talk on “Breast Cancer“ to more than 200 people at Nkoranza.

The participants included staff of the Nkoranza Municipal Directorate of Education, the Municipal Assembly and Municipal National Service Secretariat.

He observed that there had been an increase in breast cancer cases in the country and stressed the need to intensify education and awareness in the communities for women to take precautionary measures against the disease.

Dr Antwi pointed out that there were other cancers affecting the throat, brain, liver and the prostrate but breast cancer had been found to be claiming more lives.

He explained that throat cancer affected mostly smokers and alcoholics, whilst prostate cancer usually affected men above 60 years but could be treated.

Dr Antwi called on the general public to undertake regular check-up at the hospital to determine their health status and improve on their lifestyles.

Madam Salamatu Ibrahim, Nkoranza Municipal Director of Health Services cautioned girls against pre-marital sex to avoid the risk of cervical cancer.

Madam Philippa Banson, Nkoranza Municipal Director of Education called on School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinators to undertake educational campaigns in the communities to promote better health among the people.