Aboabo: In observance of World Breast Cancer Month, Prudential Bank Limited has organized a breast cancer screening exercise for 200 women at Aboabo in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. Eighteen medical professionals from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Manhyia Government Hospital facilitated the screening exercise. The initiative is part of the bank’s annual corporate social responsibility efforts, focusing on health to provide necessary screenings for individuals who may not afford hospital visits.
According to Ghana News Agency, the month of October is dedicated annually to raising awareness, honoring the millions of lives impacted by breast cancer, and reaffirming a global commitment to equitable access to care and enhanced survival for all. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.’ The exercise aimed to underscore the importance of health promotion, early detection, and timely diagnosis linked to comprehensive treatment, while fostering multisectoral partnerships by engaging stakeholders to amplify impact.
Mr. Bennet Frimpong, Head of Public Relations at Prudential Bank, stated the bank’s dedication to fostering early detection, raising awareness, and promoting health and wellness within the communities it serves. He highlighted the bank’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and convenience for women in the Aboabo catchment area, particularly for those unable to afford hospital visits. He emphasized that early detection of breast cancer can prevent its progression to advanced stages, which often result in death.
Educational sessions, health screenings, and sponsorships are part of the bank’s efforts to deepen understanding of breast cancer and encourage proactive health practices. Mr. Frimpong stressed the necessity of elevating breast cancer discussions to educate the public on the dangers associated with the disease.
Madam Memuna Ezzedin, a midwife at Manhyia Government Hospital, noted that while breast cancer lacks preventive measures due to its unknown source, certain risk factors exist, such as the use of skin-lightening agents, hair relaxers, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. She urged citizens, particularly women, to practice regular clinical breast examinations to enable early treatment and curb the disease’s spread. She also encouraged dispelling myths that attribute the disease to witchcraft and advised against using dubious concoctions for remedies.