Pognaa Rosemary Bangzie Mumwilma I, Queen Mother of Duong in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, has called on women and young girls to prioritize breast and cervical cancer screening. This appeal was made during a community durbar and free screening exercise at the St. Anne Health Centre in Duong. The event, organized by the Queen Mother and sponsored by CARE Diagnostics Services, aimed to create awareness about the diseases and encourage regular screening.
The Queen Mother emphasized that regular screening and early detection are critical to preventing and treating breast and cervical cancers. She noted that many women in Ghana are diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited awareness, misconceptions, and high costs of screening. This is particularly prevalent among rural women, who face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services.
Pognaa Mumwilma also advocated for sustained public education on breast and cervical cancers, suggesting that awareness campaigns be integrated into school curricula and community outreach programs. This, she believes, would help reduce the burden of breast cancer and improve health outcomes among women. Furthermore, she called for policies that make breast cancer examinations more accessible and affordable in public health facilities.
Dr. Theresa Salifu, CEO of CARE Diagnostics Services, echoed the Queen Mother's sentiments, stressing that early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment. She advised women to prioritize regular health screening and seek medical attention immediately if they notice unusual changes in their breasts. Dr. Salifu also cautioned against relying on traditional remedies when symptoms of breast cancer are detected.
During the screening exercise, 170 women and young girls underwent breast and cervical cancer screening. Of these, 10 women and girls, including two schoolgirls aged 15 and 17, were identified with breast or cervical lumps and referred for further clinical assessment. The Queen Mother's initiative was part of preparations for the Mumwille Pog-Yaare 2027 Homecoming celebration.
The event also provided an opportunity to engage parents, schoolgirls, and stakeholders on issues affecting girls' education and academic performance. Madam Theresa Kayiwie, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Queen Mother and CARE Diagnostics Services for organizing the exercise, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in promoting women's health.
The Queen Mother's advocacy for breast and cervical cancer screening is a significant step towards improving women's health in Ghana. By prioritizing awareness and early detection, women and young girls can reduce their risk factors and improve their overall well-being.
Key points
- The Queen Mother of Duong urges women to prioritize breast and cervical cancer screening to reduce risk factors and improve well-being.
- 170 women and young girls underwent screening during the exercise, with 10 identified with breast or cervical lumps and referred for further clinical assessment.
- The initiative aims to create awareness about breast and cervical cancers, encourage regular screening, and promote women's health in Ghana.
