Two organisations collaborate on Breast Cancer Awareness

Kumasi, Jan. 21, GNA - The Management of DHL Global Forwarding Ghana, has decided to make Breast Cancer prevention and control programmes the focal point of its social responsibility in Ghana for the next five years.

Mr Paul Opoku, Country Manager of DHL, explained that women, who formed the foundation of communities in the country, were being affected by breast cancer and should be supported.

'We will make Breast Care International (BCI), the institution creating awareness on breast cancer and contributing positively to society, the focal point of our social responsibility for the next five years,' he added.

Mr Opoku was addressing the opening session of a two-day training workshop on breast and cervical cancer, for 20 trained nurses selected from Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions, in Kumasi on the theme; 'Be Breast Cancer Aware Not Scared'.

The workshop being jointly organised by DHL, BCI and Peace and Love Hospitals in Accra and Kumasi, is under the 'School Breast Health Education Programme' targeted at some Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

The participants will undergo training that would professionally equip them both in theory and practice in basic oncology skills necessary to educate SHS students about risk factors of breast cancer, prevention strategies, treatment options, and proper ways of doing breast self-examination (BSE).

In addition, they would be able to clinically screen the students for any suspicious signs and symptoms of breast cancer and refer suspected cases for further evaluation at appropriate health facilities.

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Mr Opoku pointed out that women, the embodiment of society should not be forgotten and therefore support the education programme in schools to change the mentality and attitude of the youth towards the disease.

He said in addition to the outreach programmes, DHL would assist with the provision of equipment and furnishing of regional offices of BCI to be established.

Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of BCI, said creating breast cancer awareness in the country was challenging.

She said sometimes it is disheartening and discouraging when BCI approached some companies and institutions for assistance but are turned down.

Dr Wiafe Addai called for increased private/public sector collaboration and commended DHL and the Ministry of Education for their immense support which would increase the knowledge about the disease among the youth.

'They are the future, they will grow up with the knowledge and help educate the older generation, especially their mothers, aunties, and grandmothers. The BCI in collaboration with DHL by these programmes empowering the youth to walk boldly into a future where they would be more conscious about their breast health, and be breast cancer aware and not scared,' she added.

Dr Wiafe Addai who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peace and Love Hospitals, said due diligence was undertaken to select the participants and urged them to be dedicated and compassionate to women who are their clients.

'You are trainers for the training of your colleagues in the society. Let us devote our time and energy to the training. This is the first of its kind in Ghana and with its success, other African countries will emulate,' She added.

GNA