THE PRESIDENT Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai has called on government to treat the deaths emanating from breast cancer as an emergency since the disease was claiming two thousand and sixty lives every year in the country. 

The cancer surgeon disclosed that these deaths occur from four thousand six hundred infections of the disease every year in Ghana.

Addressing the chiefs and people of Tepa at the Tepamanhene Palace during the media launch of the upcoming race for the cure walk on 1st October,  2022, Dr Addai said most women and men do not readily report abnormalities in the breats early until they become full blown cases.

“This year’s walk is tailored towards getting the right sensitization for the public to know the threats of the disease and treatment regimes available to them at the hospital”, Dr Addai noted.

Municipal Chief Executive:

On her part, Hon Martina Appiah Nyantakyi, Municipal Chief Executive for Ahafo-Ano North re-echoed the importance of creating awareness for the public to know the effects of not treating breast problems.

She noted that early diagnosis is the surest way of helping one to get treatment for cancers especially breast cancer.

The MCE argued that the disease was not a spiritual one and did not need prayers or hebal treatment to deal with but care at the hospital.

“Just like any other disease breast cancer is treatable and when it is reported to the hospital early there is remedy available to ensure proper treatment and care”, Hon Martina stated.

NADMO Director General:

Nana Agyeman Prempeh,  Director General for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said breast cancer was a silent killer.

He noted that the time was right to be described as emergency since the over 2000 deaths that occur yearly from same was fitting for such a description.

Having lost the wife through breast cancer, the NADMO boss said he attaches seriousness to the sensitization efforts of BCI and pledged his willingness to support the NGO to purchase mammogram machines to treat persons on breast cancer care.

Queen Of Tepa:

Addressing participants which included Medical Persons, Security Officers, Senior High and JHS students as well as some celebrated musicians, Nana Agyeiwaa Paamu II, Queen of Tepa commended the BCI President for continuously sensitising people about breast cancer and the remedies available.

She pledged her support for the upcoming walk for the cure which is themed “Breast cancer won’t rest, why should we”.

Nana also conveyed the readiness of the Omanhene of Tepa, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, to participate and fully support the cause of BCI and the upcoming walk.

Participation: 

Taking part in the media launch were about 30 breast cancer survivors.

Entertaining participants throughout the colorful and reflective event were the legendary and energetic Akosua Adjepong and ACP Kofi Sarpong who treated the audience to uplifting songs and dance moves.

By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie 

Kumasi