Accra: The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ladies Club, Headquarters Branch, has held a breast screening exercise in partnership with Gilead Medical Center to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, which took place at the Kwoffie Gardens in Accra, aimed to educate officers and reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was part of the efforts to revive the Headquarters Branch of the Ladies Club and address common misconceptions about breast cancer among officers. Dr. Jacob Tetteh Djagbletey, a medical officer at Gilead Medical Center who led the screening, emphasized the importance of self-examination and regular checkups for early detection and treatment. He noted that while breast cancer is treatable, early detection is crucial for saving lives.

Dr. Tetteh highlighted several risk factors for breast cancer, including age, hereditary factors, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, early menstruation (below age 12), and late m
enopause. He pointed out that women aged between 20 and 40 years are at a higher risk and advised them to undergo screening at least once every three years.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Rosemary Addo Parker, Assistant Commissioner at the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB), explained that the exercise was not only about revitalizing the club’s activities but also about educating officers on the importance of screening and providing information on treatment options. She stressed the significance of a healthy workforce for productivity and effectiveness, urging participants to take the exercise seriously.

The event concluded with a screening at the Customs clinic, offering valuable information on treatment options and support services for families dealing with breast cancer. Approximately 100 officers and civilian staff from the Customs Division participated in the exercise.