Nima Polyclinic urges women to prioritise breast cancer screening

The Head of Administration at the Nima Polyclinic, Gertrude Aba Awuku Bekoe, has urged women to undergo regular breast cancer screening, stressing that early detection can save lives.

According to her, women should prioritise routine medical examinations because breast cancer is treatable when detected at an early stage.

“As long as you have a pair of breasts, you are susceptible to breast cancer. Breast cancer does not mean that is the end of the road for you; if you detect it early, there is a lot of hope for you, and so we are advocating for early screening, early detection,” she said.

She added that early detection significantly improves the chances of survival and urged women not to delay seeking medical attention.

“Nobody should die of breast cancer as long as you detect it early,” she said.

She made the remarks on Tuesday when ASA Savings and Loans partnered with the Nima Polyclinic to conduct breast cancer screening for women.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October, with the campaign widely known as “Pink October.” The initiative uses the colour pink and the pink ribbon to promote awareness about breast cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis.

Head of Human Resources at ASA Savings and Loans and breast cancer survivor, Eunice Boadu, also encouraged women to undergo screening, describing the process as painless.

“I had breast cancer in 2023. I have gone through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and I am still standing; it doesn’t kill anyone,” she said.

She stressed the importance of early detection and encouraged women to visit health facilities for regular checks.

“Early detection is good; that is why we are screening and making the noise that people should just check, go to the hospital and let them tell you, you are fine. Ghana needs you alive,” she said.

The CEO of ASA Savings and Loans, Gwen Tinotenda Muteiwa, also called on corporate women to make breast cancer screening an annual priority despite their demanding schedules.

She said women often devote much of their time to their organisations and responsibilities but must also prioritise their own health.

“It is important to look out for yourselves; a lot of the time we are looking out for the company, but we can’t do so in bad health. So it is important for corporate women to get tested annually for breast cancer,” she said.

Ms. Muteiwa added that early detection could prevent the disease from progressing and urged women to take their health seriously.

“The stronger they are, the stronger they can look out for the corporate needs,” she said.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo