Ministry sensitises market women on breast cancer

The Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection on Tuesday organised a breast cancer sensitisation seminar to educate market women on preventive measures.

It was also used to expose women breast management, protective measures, and treatment opportunities for those already suffering from the disease.

The event organised at the “Tuesday market,” in the Ablekuma South constituency of Accra forms part of the global breast cancer campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

Ms Lena Alai, Acting Director Department of Gender addressing the gathering described women as the backbone of every society.

She noted that the rate at which breast cancer is killing women in recent times is alarming hence the need for more education to be undertaken to educate especially traders on modalities for early detection and treatment.

Ms Alai observed that women who are usually affected with the cancerous disease do not notify health professionals in time and this endangers their life.

She said the illness could be treated and patients should seek early treatment.

Ms Constance Namon, Deputy Director of Nursing Service at La-Nkwantang Madina educating traders on breast cancer preventive measures advised women to go for early and prompt clinical screening on breast cancer for detection and medication.

According to her, the alarming rate at which women are dying of breast cancer and other cancer related diseases in the country demand that those within the ages of 35 and 49 undergo screening, irrespective of their health status.

She said prevention has however become very necessary to avoid any other woman from going through such experience.

Ms Namon said breast cancer usually affects the nipple, the duct and veins through which breast milk passes, it could be inherited from relatives through genes, women with heavy breast tissue and girls who starts menstruating at an early age of nine years or at a latter age of 55 are at a higher risk of being affected.

She educated the women on how to do self-breast examination.

She added that women breastfeeding their babies until the prescribed time of two years would reduce their risk of getting affected.

Ms Namon advised breast cancer patients against the use of un-prescribed drugs and herbal preparations in treating the ailment as it only worsens the situation.

As part of the seminar the health experts demonstrated how to undertake self-examination of the breast.

She cautioned women against the use of harsh bleaching pomades and creams, putting mobile phones and money in their braziers.

Scores of trader expressed their gratitude in an interview with the Ghana News Agency to the department for the exercises, adding “we are grateful for the education”.