GAEC launches Breast Cancer Awareness month
In a bid to contribute to the global mission of promoting early detection of breast cancer, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has launched its campaign on the theme, "Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life."
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The launch took place at the institution's conference room in Accra last Tuesday and included discussions on various activities, such as free breast screenings, educational seminars, media outreach and a health walk.
The Deputy Director-General (DDG) of GAEC, Professor Dickson Adomako, emphasised the importance of the campaign, which also marked GAEC's 60th anniversary.
He underscored the urgency of reducing annual breast cancer cases in Ghana, which currently stood at 4,500.
Prof. Adomako expressed the institution's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
He encouraged Ghanaians to show their support and solidarity by wearing pink, the official colour of breast cancer awareness.
The Director of the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) at GAEC, Dr Francis Hasford, presented the statistics of breast cancer on a global scale.
He noted that there were 2.3 million recorded cases annually, with nearly 50 per cent resulting in fatalities.
“In Ghana, breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, trailing only behind liver cancer,” he stated.
Dr Hasford reiterated the importance of early detection and treatment, adding that early intervention could yield over a 90 per cent chance of success.
According to him, the campaign would kick off with screenings for the headline sponsors, including the National Petroleum
Authority, Graphic Communications Group Limited, RAMSRI, G4 Security, Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and Ga East Municipal Assembly.
“Subsequently, screenings will be conducted at Kwabenya Senior High School, as well as the Kwabenya, Dome and Taifa markets.
This collaborative effort involves the GAEC Hospital, University of Ghana Medical Centre and International Maritime Hospital.”
Dr Hasford said the campaign would feature a 15-kilometre walk from the GAEC Hospital through Kwabenya Market, Dome Market, Christian Village, Westland and Haatso.
He urged women to begin with self-screening from the age of 18 and undergo regular screenings starting at 40 years of age to facilitate the early identification of any ailments.