The Korle Bu Polyclinic has screened 108 women for breast cancer at the Tuesday Market in Mamprobi, bringing essential healthcare directly to traders and other women who may struggle to leave their businesses to visit a health facility.

The exercise, organised as part of Pink October, the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was undertaken by a clinical team from the Korle Bu Polyclinic's Family Medicine Department in collaboration with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG).

The team was led by the Clinic Care Coordinator, Dr Baaba Damoah, who is also President of SOFPOG, and the Head of the Polyclinic's Family Medicine Department, Dr George Bediako Nketiah.

Explaining the decision to take the screening to the market, Dr Damoah said the initiative was intended to address barriers that prevent some women from accessing preventive healthcare.

Although the Korle Bu Polyclinic offers free breast cancer screening throughout October, she noted that many market women and other busy residents find it difficult to leave their trading activities to seek medical attention.

The Tuesday Market, located within the Korle Gonno catchment area, was therefore selected to make screening more accessible and encourage women to prioritise their breast health.

Breast abnormalities detected during screening

During the exercise, clinicians identified abnormal nipple discharges and palpable breast lumps in some participants. The affected women received clinical counselling, advice on further diagnostic investigations and referrals for comprehensive follow-up care at the Korle Bu Polyclinic.

The findings underscore the importance of screening and timely medical assessment, particularly when women notice unusual changes in their breasts. However, such symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer and require appropriate clinical evaluation.

Beyond breast examinations, the outreach provided additional preventive healthcare services, including checks for hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

The medical team measured participants' blood pressure and blood glucose levels and assessed their body mass index (BMI), while educating them on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options.

‘Even one life saved makes a difference’

Dr Damoah described the exercise as a success, stressing that early detection and increased awareness remain essential in efforts to reduce deaths associated with breast cancer.

“The breast screening exercise was a vital step and a resounding success. Beyond raising awareness, it promoted early detection and encouraged people to prioritise their breast health. Even if this initiative saves just one life, it has made a profound and meaningful difference,” she said.

She also commended the management of Mamprobi General Hospital at the Tuesday Market for accommodating the outreach team.

The local Assembly Member was equally acknowledged for supporting publicity and mobilising community members to participate in the exercise.

Some of the women who benefited from the screening expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying their initial fears about the procedure gave way to relief and reassurance after receiving guidance from the medical team.

They appealed to the organisers to make the market-based screening an annual event to enable more women to benefit from the service.

This year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed under the theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters.”

The initiative forms part of efforts to improve access to preventive healthcare and encourage women to seek medical attention promptly when they notice changes in their breasts.

EA