Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has launched the breast cancer awareness month. The launch was graced by the first lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, other dignitaries as well as Management of the Hospital. The theme of the launch “Early Detection and Effective Treatment saves life” admonishes all individuals to report for early treatment when they experience any changes in their breast.
The first lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo in her addressed expressed concern over the low level of awareness on seeking early treatment for breast cancer.
She said the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2000 women in Ghana get the disease and more than 1000, usually between the ages of 40 and 49 years, die from it every year.
She said the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2000 women in Ghana get the disease and more than 1000, usually between the ages of 40 and 49 years, die from it every year.
Mrs Akufo-Addo said over 90% of women treated at the hospital after early detection survived but majority all over the world do not survive due to late treatment. She therefore encouraged all women to report to the hospital early and adhere to instructions regarding treatment when diagnosed for their survival.
The CEO of the Hospital, Dr. Felix Anyah in his address said that, “over the past few decades, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has made significant strides in the management of Breast cancer”.
The CEO of the Hospital, Dr. Felix Anyah in his address said that, “over the past few decades, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has made significant strides in the management of Breast cancer”.
He said the Hospital now treats breast cancer patients from across the country as well as the West Africa sub-region and beyond”. This, he said, had made possible as a result of a multidisciplinary medical team that ensures effective management of breast cancer cases brought to the hospital.
A representative for the Minister of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Odame in his address said globally, more than 11 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. He said for women, breast and cervical cancers are the two most common cancers of women in Ghana with cervical cancer taking the lead.
Dr Odame said in Ghana, an estimated population of over 7 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Current estimates indicate that every year, about 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and it is estimated that about 1500 women die from the disease each year.
He said the low level of awareness among the public on the disease condition, late reporting of cases, negative socio-cultural beliefs, lack of basic equipment at the facilities, Cryotherapy machines among others, hampers activities to reduce breast cancer-related deaths. He therefore admonished all present to make it a point to help in spreading and creating awareness on the existence of cancers and their prevention.
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