The Coordinating Director in charge of the Departments of Media Relations, Public Engagement, and Parliamentary Broadcasting of the Parliament of Ghana, Kate Addo has emphasized the need to extend Breast Cancer Awareness activities beyond October and institutionalize regular health checks to ensure the wellbeing of legislators and Ghanaians.
She said this when she led some staff of the Parliamentary Service to join the Breast Cancer Awareness Health Walk, organized by the Breast Society of Ghana. The walk featured people from all walks of life dressed in pink and carrying placards advocating awareness on breast cancer, its associated risks, early detection, prevention, and remedy. The 5km walk started and terminated at the Independence Square, where people were given free screenings.
Speaking on how Parliament is marking the breast cancer month, Ms Addo said, “We are very excited to be part of the walk. Parliament as an institution takes the health of women and everything that concerns women very seriously. We realize that the things that specifically concern women sometimes get treated in particular spaces. And our aim in Parliament is to ensure that we are able to bring everyone together. Now the thing with breast cancer, it doesn’t just affect women; it affects women and men,” she said.
She further underscored the need for men to join the campaign and get screened, as early detection is of prime importance to tackling the health menace.
“And the awareness that we are seeking to bring to this time is that early detection, like everybody is saying, will save your life. But we shouldn’t make it a matter that concerns only women, because it also concerns men. So whether you are male or female, it is a priority that you test early,” she noted.
“That’s why Parliament is very keen on actively participating in activities to create awareness about breast cancer and its early detection and treatment. And that’s why this morning we are here in our numbers to help with the walk to ensure that we raise the awareness.”
The Breast Society of Ghana is an association dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Through comprehensive educational programs, conferences, newsletters, and a nationwide breast cancer helpline, they strive to provide the latest information and unwavering assistance to those on their journey of recovery.