ACCRA: Men are being urged to participate in breast cancer screenings as a critical measure for early detection and treatment, according to Dr. Afua Commeh, Programme Manager of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ghana Health Service. While breast cancer is predominantly seen as a women's issue, men too can be affected, often presenting with the most aggressive forms of the disease. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Commeh emphasized the importance of early detection for men, who represent about one percent of breast cancer cases but often experience severe outcomes due to late diagnosis. "The problem for the men who get the cancer is that they come in too late, and they come with the most aggressive form of breast cancer. So, if you are not careful with the last thing, then they don't survive," she stated. She urged men to report any unusual lumps in their breast tissue promptly. Dr. Commeh's comments were made during the official launch of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign at the Ga East Municipal Hosp ital, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The global theme for 2024, "No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone," aims to raise awareness, drive behavior change, and promote early detection and patient support. Statistics from GLOBOCAN Ghana in 2022 reported 5,026 breast cancer cases with 2,369 associated deaths, marking an increase from 4,482 cases in 2020. In Ghana, it is estimated that one in 22 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Commeh highlighted the need for health professionals to undergo screenings themselves and for societal support to ensure a breast cancer diagnosis is not seen as a death sentence. The campaign's launch event included self-breast examination demonstrations and free screenings. Throughout the month, a 40 percent discount is offered on mammography and breast USG, along with a 20 percent discount on pap smears for cervical cancer. Ms. Gloria Oduro-Kwarteng, Branch Manager of Ghana Commercial Bank Dome, urged women to utilize the month for self-breast an d clinical examinations, reinforcing that breast cancer is treatable when detected early. Dr. Ebenezer Oduro-Mensah, Medical Superintendent of the Ga East Municipal Hospital, called for collective efforts during the awareness month, appealing for support to construct antenatal and child welfare clinics.