The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has called for an end to fear, stigma and silence surrounding breast cancer, stressing that early detection remains the most effective tool to save lives.
The General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, made the call at a Breast Cancer Awareness Programme organised in collaboration with Ibis Styles Hotel in Accra last Thursday.
The forum was attended by 30 ICU staff selected across the regions, together with 30 staff members as well as human resource officers from the Ibis Styles Hotel.
Also in attendance were the National Chairman of ICU Ghana, Alhaji Nurudeen Al-hassan; the Deputy General Secretary (Operations), Emmanuel Benimah, and the ICU Deputy General Secretary (Administration), Samuel Ananga.
The programme at Ibis Styles Hotel, Accra, forms part of ICU-Ghana’s health advocacy for its members and the general workforce.
Promoting early detection
Addressing workers and management of the hotel, Mr Ayawine said the programme was more than an event, but a strategic partnership to raise awareness, promote early detection and save the lives of workers and Ghanaians in general.
“Breast cancer remains a major health concern, affecting not only women but also their families and communities. However, early detection and timely medical intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives,” he stated.
The ICU General Secretary expressed concern that many women continued to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma and lack of information, and declared: “No more silence! Early detection matters.”
Mr Ayawine urged all women to take their health seriously, prioritise their well-being and undertake regular self-examination and clinical screening, and to seek prompt medical attention when unusual changes were noticed.
Role of men, renewed support
He also called on men to play an active role by encouraging their wives, sisters and colleagues to go for screening, stating that although breast cancer largely affected women, men were also at risk and needed to be part of the awareness campaign.
Paying tribute to survivors, the ICU General Secretary said: “To our breast cancer survivors, you are an inspiration to us all. Your courage, resilience and determination remind us that there is hope, even in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Mr Ayawine said that as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October came to a close, the commitment to sustain awareness, speak openly about the disease and support affected persons must be renewed.
“We cannot continue to talk about building a nation without prioritising the health of human beings who constitute the greatest assets of a nation,” he added.
