The International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) has launched its Pink October campaign in Tema, with a call on Ghanaians to take early action on breast cancer to improve treatment outcomes. The launch, held under the theme: “Early Action, Better Outcome”, brought together Members of Parliament, health directors, health professionals, hospital staff, stakeholders, and members of the public. The event aimed to promote awareness and underscore the importance of early detection.
As part of the launch, participants took part in a “Pink Promise Challenge”, making personal commitments to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage early screening, and support prevention efforts. Dr. Vitus Victor Anaab-Bisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IMaH, said breast cancer remained a significant public health concern, accounting for about one-third of all new cancers among women. He mentioned that in 2024, more than 5,400 new breast cancer cases were recorded, with 2,695 deaths in Ghana.
Dr. Anaab-Bisi said that behind these figures were women and families whose lives were affected by the disease, stressing that late detection often made treatment more difficult and worsened outcomes. He emphasized that early detection significantly improved the chances of effective treatment and survival. This year’s theme emphasized the importance of taking timely action, such as early screening, diagnosis, and treatment, which could give patients a better chance of managing the disease successfully.
IMaH will provide free breast cancer screening to clients who visit the hospital throughout October, as well as breast cancer education and awareness programs in communities and workplaces. The hospital will also offer significant discounts on mammograms and ultrasound scans to support timely diagnosis and follow-up care. Mr. James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West, said breast and prostate cancers were two conditions that continue to affect families in Tema West and across Ghana.
Mr. Enu stressed the importance of open conversations, awareness, regular screening, and early action, and encouraged women to pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek appropriate screening rather than waiting until they become ill. He announced plans to provide free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination, as well as free breast cancer awareness and screening exercises across the constituency. Dr. Mercy Obrempong Owusu, Tema West Municipal Director of Health, said breast cancer also affected men, making awareness and screening relevant to everyone.
Dr. Owusu urged men to take their health seriously so they could encourage the women in their families, workplaces, and communities to seek timely screening. She encouraged Ghanaians to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, practice regular breast awareness, speak openly about the disease without stigma, and book screening when appropriate. Dr. Owusu appealed to the public to get checked early for early detection and prevention, and encouraged employers to institute health screening as part of employee welfare.
Participants toured the facility, where they were introduced to modern AI-powered equipment being utilized to enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes. The launch of the Pink October campaign is part of IMaH's efforts to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection in Ghana.
Key points
- The International Maritime Hospital will provide free breast cancer screening and education throughout October.
- Breast cancer accounts for about one-third of all new cancers among women in Ghana.
- Late detection of breast cancer often makes treatment more difficult and worsens outcomes.
