WORLD BREAST CANCER MONTH

Dolly foundation a local non governmental organization based at Assin Fosu on the 22nd of October organized free breast screening exercise to mark the world pink month. Every month of October is marked as breast cancer awareness month. The initial program of the organization was the training of 35midwives in the municipality to help in the early detection of breast cancer. Due to lack of funds , the oncology workshop was not possible. During the screening Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, breast pathology specialist from peace and love clinic Kumasi, gave the midwives present a practical lessons on early detection of breast cancer. Dr Beatrice is the founder of breast care international a non governmental organization, based in Kumasi .
1000 women were screened during the free clinical breast screening exercise
Some of the women were diagnosed of the cancer and were refer to peace and love clinic for immediate treatment.

Facts of breast cancer
Cancer kills more people each year than HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined.
Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among women in Ghana.
It is also a fact that more than 70% of Cancers in developing Countries are diagnosed too late for cure
40% of all Cancer deaths can be prevented

Methodology and result
Radio interviews
Distribution of stickers
Church announcement
Banners and sign post
Result
1000 women were screened for breast cancer
25women were diagnosed age (35-55years)
Suspected cases were refer to appropriate clinic
Public awareness of breast cancers

Challenges and Recommendation
Lack of funding
Ignorance of the disease and of awareness resulted in the low turn up
lack of decentralization of the screening exercise limited the number of women.
Recommendation
Seek donor agency to support the awareness and breast screening in various villages.
Seeking funding to organize the oncology training for the midwives in the municipality hence more qualified nurse could provide such service to women leaving outside Assin Fosu.