A midwife at the Accra Regional Hospital, Mrs. Racheal Regina Hesse, has extended the Pink Campaign to the Nsawam Female Prison, aiming to educate inmates on breast cancer self-examination and awareness. The session, part of the 3rd edition of the MiKAFUI Pink Conference (MiPiCON) 2026, focused on empowering female inmates with knowledge on breast cancer prevention and early detection. The theme of the conference, “Closing the Care Gap: Actionable Advocacy,” underscored the importance of inclusive advocacy.
During the interactive session, Mrs. Hesse demonstrated a step-by-step guide on how to examine the breast, advising inmates to position their arm at their back to slightly elevate the breast. She emphasized the importance of palpating the breast in a circular motion towards the armpit or axillary region. Inmates actively participated, standing on their feet to practice the self-examination technique, and many asked questions to clarify their concerns.
One inmate expressed confusion about excess flesh seen at the armpit, prompting Mrs. Hesse to explain that individuals vary in their genetic makeup, and some may have excess skin or fat. She reassured them that if they detected any lump or abnormality, they should report it to their guard or instructor, who would facilitate a hospital examination to rule out cancer.
Mrs. Hesse highlighted warning signs to watch out for, including inverted nipples, one breast becoming proportionally bigger than the other, and patches around the breast. She advised the inmates to seek immediate medical attention if they noticed any of these symptoms, stressing that breast cancer does not discriminate based on breast size.
A breast cancer survivor shared her personal experience, recounting her journey through radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. This testimony made the inmates appreciate the reality of the disease and the importance of early detection. Mrs. Hesse emphasized that breast cancer awareness, education, and screening must continue beyond October, which is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The session at the Nsawam Female Prison underscored the need for corporate bodies to prioritize breast cancer advocacy, particularly in underserved communities. Mrs. Hesse called on organizations to support initiatives that promote breast cancer education and screening, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against the disease.
The MiKAFUI Pink Conference (MiPiCON) 2026 aims to promote actionable advocacy for breast cancer awareness and education. By engaging female inmates in breast cancer self-examination and awareness, Mrs. Hesse and her team have taken a significant step towards closing the care gap and promoting health equity.
Key points
- - Midwife Racheal Regina Hesse educates female inmates on breast cancer self-examination and awareness at Nsawam Female Prison. - The session aimed to empower inmates with knowledge on breast cancer prevention and early detection. - Breast cancer awareness, education, and screening must continue beyond October, the designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
