Members of the Bogoso and Wassa branches of Golden Star Ladies (GSL) Club in the Western Region have donated GH¢14,000 from its 2013 breast cancer awareness and fund raising activities to the Breast Care International (BCI), a NGO, to support breast cancer activities in rural areas.

This was announced by Madam Doris Dery, President of Golden Star Ladies Club, Bogoso Branch at the launch of the 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness Programme at Bogoso.

The Club and DHL Global Forwarding Ghana in conjunction with International SOS launched the programme in recognition of the International Pink Ribbon Day.

It was inaugurated in 2011 to initiate campaign against breast cancer and identifies awareness creation as a means to survival.

In addition to awareness creation, the Club organizes fund raising towards education for girls in schools and women in rural areas.

The launch was attended by dignitaries from Golden Star Resources, DHL Global Forwarding Ghana (Gold Level Sponsor), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), personnel from the Ghana Health Service and the community.

The Club organized free breast screening to women within the Golden Star catchment communities from Bogoso and Wassa mine sites, and communities around Bogoso, Prestea, Wassa Akyempim, Old Subri, Kubekro, New Togbekrom and Nsadweso.

It was targeted at young women through direct interaction and education for students from Methodist School, Bogoso, Saint Augustine’s Senior High School and Prestea Secondary Technical School.

Mrs Charlotte Tay Senyo, President of Wassa branch of the Club, said about 1,000 women had access to breast screening during the two days adding, “With a target of at least 1,500 women, we are delighted at the excellent participation of the target communities”.

Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Consultant Breast Surgeon and President of Breast Care International (BCI), said in Ghana women often experience breast cancer earlier than their North American counter-parts.

She said with regular breast self-examination, and early reporting of any changes, women with breast cancer could be treated to lead long and fulfilling lives.

Dr Wiafe Addai, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals in Accra and Kumasi, advised women to report any lump in their breasts to any health facility adding “Early detection helps to save life.”