Globally, more than two million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 died in 2020.
Ten years ago, around 2,000 women in Ghana were diagnosed with cancer, but 1,000 subsequently lost their lives.
The dire nature of the situation has called for concerted efforts to tackle breast cancer head-on.
Therefore, the Akosombo branch of the Volta River Authority (VRA) Ladies Association has indicated its commitment to the fight against cancer.
The president of the association, Lady Vivian Adjarkuor Mantey was unhappy because some Ghanaians still attach spirituality and superstition to the disease.
She revealed it to Joy News during a breast cancer walk in Akosombo.
According to her, the management of VRA has purchased a mammogram for the hospital, as it will greatly contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
She added that association members contribute to a fund to help needy breast cancer patients in their area seek medical care in addition to educating them about the disease.
For Lady Vivian Mantey, the branch is proud of her roles in other areas such as helping women at Akwamuman High School with sanitary pads, adopting two wards at VRA Hospital, but for no cite just a few.
The Association, Right to Know Commission, Cover One Conquerors (American football club in Ghana) and led by Ghana’s Fitness Ambassador for Tourism Beatrice Afful marched for over two hours last Saturday , on October 22, 2022, as part of awareness raising.
The march which started at the main road terminal in Akosombo around 7:30 a.m. saw the participants in the company of a marching band experience the city’s green and hilly nature and fatigue-free good weather.
With pink or a touch of pink in their attire, attendees held signs that read “You won’t die if your breast is removed”, “Breast cancer is treatable”, “Don’t delay treatment”, ” Breast cancer is treatable, get screened’, ‘Breast cancer is not caused by witchcraft’, among others.
Medical assistant at VRA Hospital in Akosombo and branch organizer Lady Belinda Narteh was optimistic about the two mammograms bought by management; one at VRA Hospital in Akosombo and another in Accra would make a huge difference in early detection of the disease to save lives.
She tells how the association during its two decades of existence has helped women who would otherwise have died of breast cancer.
“This could be expanded if other agencies or sister organizations could also focus on breast cancer,” she insisted.
Beyond October, the VRA Ladies Association, especially the Akosombo branch, undertakes other activities such as helping schools in disadvantaged areas, building new schools, buying and sharing learning materials, among others.
“We also help patients with medical bills, share the love on Mother’s Day with clients or patients, cooking contests and the list goes on. We can only promise more exciting programs in the days to come,” she continued.
She challenged other organizations to join the rescue mission, especially in the area of breast cancer.
Lady Belinda Narteh also talked about making a healthy lifestyle a way of life and how her branch would contact the corporate bodies quarterly after walking for more than two hours and enjoying the breathtaking environment. breath of Akosombo.
Ghana Tourism Fitness Ambassador Beatrice Afful was thrilled to have joined her friends for some fun raising awareness during the pink month.
“Walking is one of the best exercises one can ever do due to its health benefits. Walk 30 minutes every morning as recommended by the World Health Organization or also try a three minute ampe before wash if you don’t have a knee problem,” she advised.
Meanwhile, a 10-year-old student from Akosombo International School, Keila Nyamedor Narteh, who joined her mother in raising awareness, encouraged women to give breast cancer the attention it deserves.
One after another, she read placards reading “Breast cancer is treatable,” “Breast cancer is not a spiritual disease,” and others stressing the need to step up. awareness and undergo examination for early detection.
The walk ended at the VRA mess with aerobics, lunch, breast screening for men and women, and corporate fun games.
The Akosombo Branch was grateful to its National President, Lady Stella Dey, for her support.
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