WORLD’S FAMOUS Cancer surgeon and President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, says Ghana can win the war against breast cancer when it doubles efforts in creating awareness about the disease. 

Many, she stated, still have misconceptions about the disease and do not report same or seek for treatment at the hospitals.

From a careful study of the situation, Dr Wiafe, who is also Chief Executive Officer for the Peace and Love Hospitals (PALH) said many who finally bring cases to the hospitals come with fully blown ones.

Speaking at the heavily patronised 10th edition of the BCI Walk for Cure at Tepa on theme ” Breast Cancer won’t rest so why should we?”last Saturday, the cancer surgeon was however upbeat that awareness creation could help the country win the war against breast cancer.

“In Ghana over 2000 people die from breast cancer out of the over 4,000 cases reported and this means we are losing half of persons who get the disease but I must assure you all that we can win this war against breast cancer with vigorous awareness creation as we get those affected to visit the hospital for treatment”, Dr Wiafe stressed.

Tepamanhene:

Addressing the crowd while seated in state with his Queen, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, Tepamanhene commended the BCI President for her efforts in awareness creation about breast cancer.

He noted that if efforts by Dr Wiafe Addai is sustained across the country especially in remote areas, many people could become aware of the disease and report same to the hospital for treatment.

The paramount Chief commended all participants in the walk and asked that they take lessons from the walk to their homes and educate others about breast cancer.

NADMO Director General:

Nana Agyeman Prempeh, Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) who also represented the regional Minister said he was happy that BCI was not relenting on its sensitization efforts.

He noted that the government was also committed to supporting such efforts by BCI, adding that if such awareness was sustained many would come to appreciate the need to report any abnormalities in the breast to the hospital for treatment.

Other Speakers And Guests:

In her address, the Moroccan Ambassador, Her Excellency Laadi Quaadi praised Dr Wiafe and BCI for their unwavering awareness creation measures.

She called for the sustenance of same so that many could be reached with the good news that there are remedies available for breast cancer patients.

MCE for Ahafo-Ano North, Hon Martina Appiah- Nyantakyi reiterated government’s support for BCI and pledged that the Assembly would encourage efforts to make people aware of the dangers of breast cancer.

She reminded participants that there is a  remedy for those who report the disease early to the hospital.

Performances:

BCI Ambassadors for Breast Cancer Awareness, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Akosua Agyepong, Patience Nyarko and the newest member, Obaapa Christy entertained the crowd to soothing music at the durbar grounds.

Joined by the BCI breast cancer survivors association members, the artistes danced and added their voice for more awareness to be created of breast cancer in the country.

By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie 

Kumasi