Reverend Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu North, and Mr. Sumaila Gariba Abubakari, the Municipal Director of Health Services, have called on residents to prioritize breast cancer screening and seek early medical attention to improve treatment outcomes. They made the call during a breast cancer awareness program organized by the E.P. Church International Mission Hospital at Adzadokpo in the Ketu North Municipality. The program was held under the theme: "Early Detection Saves Lives."
Rev. Amenaki emphasized that breast cancer is treatable and can be cured, particularly when detected early. He commended the management and staff of the hospital for organizing the program to educate women on breast health and for their continued commitment to quality healthcare delivery in the municipality. He encouraged women to take advantage of available screening services, practice regular breast self-examination, and promptly report unusual changes to qualified health professionals.
Mr. Abubakari said the responsibility of the Municipal Health Directorate extends beyond treating illnesses to educating communities, promoting preventive healthcare, encouraging early care-seeking, and strengthening health systems to ensure timely access to appropriate treatment. He urged residents not to ignore changes in their breasts, including lumps, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, nipple abnormalities, and unusual discharge.
Mr. Abubakari explained that a breast lump does not necessarily indicate cancer but requires assessment by a qualified health professional. He cautioned against delaying medical attention until a lump becomes painful, stressing that prompt assessment is critical to improving the chances of successful treatment. He also emphasized the importance of awareness creation, timely diagnosis, and effective referral systems to prevent avoidable delays in treatment.
The Municipal Director said breast cancer awareness activities must reach all six sub-districts of Ketu North and not be concentrated only in major towns and health facilities. He called for the use of health centers, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, community outreach programs, community health officers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and local communication channels to extend breast health education to underserved communities.
Mr. Abubakari identified fear, stigma, misconceptions, and financial difficulties as some of the barriers that prevent people from seeking timely medical attention. He urged community leaders and residents to help create an environment where people can discuss breast health openly and seek medical assistance without embarrassment or discrimination. He also reminded men that breast cancer awareness is not exclusively a women's concern, urging them to support female relatives in seeking appropriate care.
The Municipal Director encouraged health professionals to integrate breast health education into routine service delivery and urged facility and sub-district heads to identify practical ways of strengthening awareness, clinical assessment, and referral services. He called on the Municipal Assembly, development partners, traditional authorities, and religious leaders to support efforts to make preventive and diagnostic services more accessible.
Key points
- The Municipal Chief Executive and the Municipal Director of Health Services have urged residents to prioritize breast cancer screening and seek early medical attention to improve treatment outcomes.
- The E.P. Church International Mission Hospital organized a breast cancer awareness program to educate women on breast health and promote early detection.
- The Municipal Health Directorate aims to extend breast health education to all six sub-districts of Ketu North, including underserved communities.
