Paakro: Health professionals have raised concerns over delayed breast cancer detection in parts of the Eastern Region due to limited screening access and persistent beliefs in witchcraft. This was revealed during a community health outreach organised by the Muslimah Mentorship Network at Paakro in the Akuapim South District, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. The event brought together women from Fante Town, Abaase, and Adjinase Piem electoral areas for a breast screening exercise.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Abdul Wadud Mohammed, who led the screening, said superstition and poor access to medical facilities were major barriers to early diagnosis. He noted that many women delay seeking medical help because they believe breast cancer is spiritual or caused by witchcraft. Others prefer herbal remedies until it's too late, which undermines the importance of early detection in saving lives.
Dr Mohammed emphasized the importance of educating participants on self-breast examination techniques and encouraged them to seek professional help when they noticed unusual changes. The medical team taught women to check for lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in the breast skin and urged regular hospital visits for screening, with the support of their families.
Ms. Samira Mastura Sulleman, a senior public health nurse from Manna Mission Hospital, reported that six women were referred for further tests after suspicious signs were detected. These women had lumps or nipple discharges that required further checks, leading to referrals for mammograms and biopsies to rule out cancer. Ms. Sulleman expressed concern over the preference for herbal treatments and spiritual interpretations, which often result in advanced disease stages before seeking medical help.
Ms. Bilkis Nuhu Kokroko, Founder of the Muslimah Mentorship Network, explained that the programme aimed to support women and girls in underserved communities with limited access to health services and guidance. The initiative adopts a mother-daughter approach where mothers benefit from medical care and health education, while girls learn about responsibility and the importance of education.
The Network plans to continue organising community outreaches to promote preventive health and empower young women to make informed choices. The goal is to build communities where women take charge of their health and girls take charge of their future.
Mr. Abdul Lateef Saeed, Assembly Member for Fante Town Electoral Area, commended the Network for bringing health professionals to the community, marking the first major breast cancer screening exercise in the area. He highlighted the importance of dispelling myths that breast cancer is spiritual and recognized the necessity for stronger collaboration between health authorities and community leaders to sustain education and screening efforts.
Mentors from the Muslimah Mentorship Network also held interactive sessions with teenage girls on issues affecting their wellbeing, including teenage pregnancy, menstrual hygiene, peer influence, drug use, and early relationships. The girls were encouraged to prioritize education, make responsible decisions, and seek guidance from mentors and trusted adults when facing challenges.
