Women advised to do Mammogram check up once a year

Tema, Dec. 22, GNA- Dr Clegg Lamptey, a Consultant Surgeon, has advised women with family history of breast cancer infections to do periodic check up to ensure that they are free from the disease. Dr Lamptey, who is also the Head of the Breast Cancer Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, said people with lumps in their breast must also seek medical attention after Mammogram check-up.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview at a pre-Christmas party organised by Reach For Recovery Ghana (RFR) for over 120 cancer survivors in Accra.

RFR a non-governmental organisation affiliated with Reach to Recovery International in Geneva is designed to provide a network of support to breast cancer patients.

Dr Lamptey expressed regret that some of the breast cancer cases reported were in the worse stage when the cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body.

"When it happens like that we refuse to do any surgery and only take them through the Chemotherapy treatment just to expand the lifespan of patients."

Dr Lamptey said cost of treatment is between 500,000 and 14 million cedis depending on the kind of treatment. He mentioned Breast Hope Ghana Charity as another NGO working effectively to support women who have been diagnosed of the disease especially through their treatment.

The Chief Executive Officer of RFR, Mrs Gladys Boateng, stressed the need for survivors to come out boldly to educate others on the disease so that much education and awareness would be created to prevent others from contracting the disease.

Breast Cancer, she said: "is not a death sentence and could be cured" and advised women in the country with the different types of breast cancers to seek early treatment.

Mrs Elsie Ayim, an educationist and the longest survivor who has lived with the disease for over 28 years shared her experience with members and advised them against harmful effects of foods with chemicals.