The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hannah Bisiw-Kotei, has urged residents in mining host communities, particularly women, to prioritise regular breast examinations and seek early medical attention to help prevent complications associated with breast cancer.
She said early detection and timely access to healthcare remained critical in the fight against the disease, warning that delays in reporting suspicious symptoms could worsen patients’ conditions and reduce their chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Bisiw-Kotei made the call at a breast cancer awareness campaign organised by the Minerals Development Fund in collaboration with the Christ Apostolic Church International in Koforidua.
The campaign formed part of efforts to educate residents on breast cancer, promote early detection and encourage individuals to seek timely medical attention whenever they noticed unusual changes in their breasts.
The programme also provided participants with an opportunity to interact with health professionals, ask questions and seek clarification on issues surrounding breast cancer, including common misconceptions about the disease.
Addressing participants, Dr. Bisiw-Kotei emphasised that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to women alone, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in promoting early detection and improving health outcomes.
She encouraged women to pay close attention to changes in their breasts, including unusual lumps, swelling, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge and other abnormalities, and report such symptoms promptly to qualified health professionals.
She further called on men to play an active role in the fight against breast cancer by supporting their partners, encouraging regular breast checks and helping them access medical care whenever suspicious symptoms were detected.
According to her, creating awareness and breaking the silence surrounding breast cancer were essential steps towards addressing the challenges associated with late diagnosis.
The collaboration between the Minerals Development Fund and the Christ Apostolic Church International also highlighted the importance of partnerships between public institutions and religious organisations in extending health education to communities.
The campaign underscored the need for sustained public education, community participation and improved awareness to encourage early detection and reduce the impact of breast cancer, particularly among residents of mining host communities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
