– The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has organized a breast cancer screening exercise for market women in Kaneshie, Accra.
The exercise, part of activities to mark the breast cancer awareness month, was aimed sensitizing the market women on the need for early detection to improve survival rates for cancer sufferers.
Madam Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Okaikwei South, emphasized that raising awareness about breast cancer was crucial for empowering individuals to take action.
She stressed that awareness efforts should extend beyond October, advocating for continuous education throughout the year to maximize impact.
“Data shows that breast cancer accounts for 31.8 per cent of cancers diagnosed in women with the most cases detected at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness and access to healthcare,” she said.
The Ministry, she said, had collaborated with the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders to launch projects aimed at promoting women’s health and encouraging healthy lifestyles beyond cancer.
“We have made significance progress but people still lose their lives with breast cancer due to late detection or persistent misconceptions including religious myths surrounding the disease.”
“We must continue to emphasize the importance of regular screening, self-examination and early diagnosis,” she advised.
Madam Newman stressed that it was essential for every woman, regardless of economic background, race, or geographical location, to have access to medical care and necessary resources.
“Let us move forward from today with renewed energy and commitment, let’s pledge to continue to create awareness supporting research and ensuring that no one walks this path alone,” she advised.
The Minister stated that it was time to not only recognize the devastating impacts of breast cancer but also to celebrate the resilience, courage, and strength of those affected by the disease.
“We come together to raise our collective voice, share knowledge, and reaffirm our commitment to a future where breast cancer no longer claims lives,” she added.
Eno Maison Ekua, General Secretary of the Kaneshie Market Women Association, emphasized the importance of the screening, noting it helped them feel more aware and confident about their health status.
“We are grateful that as a Gender Minister, Madam Newman thought about us here in the Kaneshie market to bring this program to our doorstep. We ask for more of this gesture, as Oliver Twist would do,” she said.
GNA