Accra: The Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has successfully screened and sensitised 241 residents in the Chiana Sub-District of Kassena Nankana West District for breast cancer. The initiative, which spanned 14 communities, involved 239 women and two men, resulting in the detection of four suspected cases that have been referred for further examination and management.
According to Ghana News Agency, the screening and sensitisation exercise is part of ADDRO's Early Childhood Development programme, known as 'Moments That Matter (MTM)'. This programme is being implemented across six regions in Ghana with funding from the Episcopal Relief and Development in the United States of America. Its primary aim is to promote healthy motherhood and ensure the optimal growth and survival of children from conception to age three.
Mr. Gabriel Abem Mohammed, Field Officer at ADDRO, highlighted that the screening was one of several health interventions under the MTM programme, designed to enhance maternal and child health outcomes in the district. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Ghana Health Service to educate caregivers and community members on breast cancer, aiming to help mothers detect issues early and seek necessary medical support.
The MTM programme in the Chiana Sub-District currently engages 247 female primary caregivers and 23 Early Childhood Development (ECD) promoters, who facilitate home visits and monthly caregiver support and learning group meetings. These ECD promoters played a crucial role in organizing the female primary caregivers for the screening exercise.
Mr. Emmanuel Anamoo Aduku, Sub-District Leader and In-Charge at the Chiana Health Centre, pointed out the timeliness of the screening, given that breast cancer remains the deadliest cancer among women globally and continues to claim lives in the country. He stressed the importance of early detection and awareness in preventing fatalities.
Madam Grace Akologo, a midwife at the Chiana Health Centre, educated participants on the causes, signs, symptoms, and prevention of breast cancer, emphasizing that early detection and treatment are vital for survival. She expressed gratitude to ADDRO and Episcopal Relief and Development for their support in facilitating this life-saving initiative.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative, with many having never participated in such screenings before. Madam Ernestina Kaba, a first-time participant, shared her newfound knowledge about breast cancer detection and her intention to spread awareness within her community. Similarly, Madam Patience Anyinah dispelled myths surrounding breast cancer, acknowledging the importance of self-examination in early detection.
