A Resident General Surgeon at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Dr Solomon Oppong Akorley, has issued a warning that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, and men are also at risk of developing the disease. He made this statement during a breast cancer sensitisation exercise organised by the Ghana Revenue Authority Workers’ Union (GRAWU) in Bolgatanga to commemorate Pink October. Dr. Akorley emphasized that available research indicates approximately one in every 100 breast cancer cases may occur in men.
Dr. Akorley expressed concern that the misconception that men cannot develop breast cancer may discourage them from paying attention to symptoms or seeking medical attention when necessary. He urged men to be conscious of changes in their breast tissue and seek medical assessment when they notice unusual symptoms. According to him, men should not ignore any changes in their breast tissue, as early detection is crucial in the treatment of breast cancer.
The surgeon also noted that breast cancer cases are now being recorded among younger people, with cases as low as 30 and 32 years old. He stated that this trend indicates the need for early screening and reporting to the hospital as soon as any unusual symptoms are noticed. Dr. Akorley identified alcohol consumption, lack of physical exercise, and obesity as modifiable risk factors that could predispose people to breast cancer.
Dr. Akorley advised the public to practise self-breast examination, participate in screening programmes, and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes. He further encouraged individuals to undergo regular general medical examinations to monitor their overall health. The sensitisation exercise was part of activities marking Pink October, an international campaign observed every October to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and support for patients.
The Ghana Revenue Authority Workers’ Union (GRAWU) organised the sensitisation exercise, which included a health walk through the principal streets of Bolgatanga to create awareness about breast cancer, its effects, and preventive measures. Local Secretary of GRAWU, Revenue Officer Awafo Cynthia, said the union considered the health and welfare of both male and female workers important, hence the decision to organise the awareness programme.
Awafo Cynthia stated that the activity was intended to correct the perception that breast cancer was exclusively a women’s disease. She urged the public to make screening and medical examinations a regular practice rather than waiting for the annual awareness month. According to her, the union considered health education an important part of its responsibility towards its members and the wider community.
The surgeon’s warning and GRAWU’s efforts aim to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage early detection and treatment. By educating the public about the risks and symptoms of breast cancer, Dr. Akorley and GRAWU hope to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and promote a culture of regular screening and medical examination.
Key points
- Men are also at risk of breast cancer, with approximately one in every 100 cases occurring in men.
- Breast cancer cases are now being recorded among younger people, with cases as low as 30 and 32 years old.
- The public is advised to practise self-breast examination, participate in screening programmes, and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes.
