ACCRA: FirstBank Ghana is marking Pink October with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and highlighting the challenges it presents to society. The initiative, part of the globally recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is focused on increasing education and promoting early detection and treatment. According to Ghana News Agency, FirstBank's Women Network organized a breast cancer awareness event at the Bank's head office annex in Cantonments, Accra. The event was designed to educate women, encourage screening, and promote early treatment, aligning with this year's theme, "No-one Should Face Breast Cancer Alone." The theme underscores the bank's commitment to supporting health initiatives that improve the lives of Ghanaians. During the event, Mr. Benjamin Sena Fenu, a specialist surgeon from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, delivered the keynote address. He stressed the importance of regular check-ups and self-examinations, explaining that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for saving lives. Using an analogy, Mr. Fenu described how cancer progresses: "Think of your breasts as bundles of money packed into a suitcase. If counterfeit notes are mixed in, and as they increase, the suitcase eventually cannot hold them, and that's when symptoms begin to appear." Mr. Fenu also discussed various causes of breast cancer, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, hereditary factors, early menstruation, and late menopause. The event featured a testimony from Mrs. Georgina Kumah-Dzagah, a Licensed Counsellor and Executive Secretary of the Breast Society of Ghana, who shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor, emphasizing the importance of family support and open discussions about the disease. Mrs. Grace Isaac-Aryee, Chairperson of FirstBank's Women Network, highlighted the importance of acting as a support system for those affected by breast cancer. She encouraged everyone to get screened, stating, "Today's event is not just about wearing pink, it is about taking actio n and getting yourself examined." The event concluded with an interactive session addressing common misconceptions about breast cancer, providing information on treatment options, and offering advice on supporting loved ones facing the disease. According to the Breast Society of Ghana, there were 5,026 new cases of breast cancer recorded in 2022, with 2,369 estimated deaths. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Ghanaian women, with the highest incidence in women aged 40 to 49. However, it can affect women as young as 20, with risk factors including being female, advancing age, alcohol consumption, and lifestyle factors. FirstBank Ghana, a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The FirstBank brand also includes FirstBank UK, FirstBank DRC, FirstBank Guinea, FirstBank Sierra Leone, FirstBank Gambia, FBNBank Senegal, and FirstBank Ghana.