A financial institution in Ghana, ASA Savings and Loans Company Limited, has conducted a free breast cancer screening exercise for women across the country. The exercise, which lasted for a month, was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and aimed to increase awareness and early detection of breast cancer among women, especially market women who form the majority of the company’s clients.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Ghana, with six people dying every day from the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana recorded 4,645 new cases and 2,260 deaths from breast cancer in 2020. Despite these alarming statistics, breast cancer screening rates in Ghana remain low, with only 2% of women aged 40-69 reporting having had a mammogram in the past two years.
The free breast cancer screening exercise by ASA Savings and Loans Company Limited was targeted at more than 4,000 women in 10 regions, including Greater Accra, Central, Western, Western North, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions. The exercise involved the training of more than 90 health workers who were able to screen and treat breast and cervical cancers at the districts’ primary health care levels.
The Managing Director of the company, Mohammed Aourongjeb, stated that the exercise was expected to help improve health-seeking behaviors among women regarding cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. He said improved awareness, screening, advocacy and support would go a long way to reduce the rising incidence of breast cancer in the country.
A medical practitioner at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Edwin Essel, noted that there was a gradual surge in incidences of breast cancer in the country, West Africa and the world in general. He explained that breast cancer was a disease that took a lot of lives but the good thing was that when detected early, there were great chances of survival.
He advised women to practice regular breast self-examination and seek medical attention if they notice any changes or abnormalities in their breasts. He also urged the government and the industry to work together to ensure the safety and benefits of breast cancer screening and treatment.
The free breast cancer screening exercise by ASA Savings and Loans Company Limited was applauded by many women who participated in it. They expressed their gratitude to the company for the initiative and called for more of such interventions to help save lives and promote women’s health.
Source: Graphic Online
