The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has urged staff of the ministry, both men and women, to undergo regular screening for breast cancer since early detection helps to save lives.
He said too many lives were being lost because the disease was often detected at an advanced stage.
He explained that breast cancer affected mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues, as well as men and did not discriminate by profession or status.
He said early detection remained critical to improving survival outcomes and advised staff and management to take regular health checks seriously and seek medical attention whenever they noticed changes in their bodies.
Launch
“Too often, we lose precious lives simply because of late detection,” the minister said when he launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the ministry today (Oct 5).
The event, which was used to unveil a special breast cancer commemorative sculpture as a bold symbol of resilience, solidarity, and hope, was to keep the conversation on the disease alive within the ministry.
The sculpture was donated by the Chief Director of the ministry, Samuel Kwasi Akuaku.
The event brought health personnel from the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) to educate staff on early detection of breast cancer.
Victim of breast cancer
The minister, who disclosed a personal experience with breast cancer, said the disease had taken the life of his sister after she endured four years of treatment.
He said for four years, he saw his sister, who left behind three children, go through unbearable pains until she passed on.
“I make this statement as a victim of breast cancer because a few years ago, I lost my sister and for four years, I saw her go through the kind of thing I would not wish for anybody,” the minister said.
The experience, he said, had strengthened his commitment to promoting awareness, screening and timely intervention of breast cancer.
He, therefore, advised members of the ministry to take breast cancer screening seriously and to seek appropriate medical advice whenever they noticed unusual changes.
“Your health is your greatest asset and so protect it, check it and never take it for granted,” he advised.
End to stigma
In his view, Mr Agbodza said breast cancer awareness should not be limited to wearing a pink ribbon for a day or observing activities during the awareness month but should translate into action that could help detect the disease early and save lives.
“It must encourage us to pay attention to our bodies, seek appropriate medical advice when we notice changes and support those who are going through diagnosis and treatment.
“Awareness should lead to action and action to save lives,” the minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, said.
He also called for conscious efforts to dismantle the fear, stigma and silence surrounding breast cancer.
“I urge every member of the ministry, both men and women, to take screening seriously, support one another and to foster a workplace culture where health and wellness is prioritised.
“There is no shame in asking questions about your health; there is strength in seeking help early,” he said.
The minister, who made another personal donation of GH¢20,000 towards the fight against breast cancer, reminded staff that breast cancer was not exclusively a women’s disease since men could also be affected, saying that everyone had a role to play in promoting awareness.
He, therefore, urged staff to encourage their loved ones to seek care and create an environment where people could openly ask about their health without fear or embarrassment.
“Our workplaces are communities where when one colleague faces a serious illness, the entire workplace has an opportunity to demonstrate compassion.
“Let us therefore build a ministry where health conversations are welcome, preventive care is encouraged, survivors are respected and no one feels alone in their journey,” he said.
