Former First Lady Lordina Mahama has emphasised the need of religious entities and other institutions devoting significant time during their worship sessions to educating members about breast cancer.
This, she explained, was to raise awareness, dispel preconceptions about the condition, and aid in its prevention and treatment.
She said that religious institutions needed to support the fight against the disease since education was essential to treating it.
As part of festivities commemorating World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Mrs Mahama stated in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, monitored by ATLFM, that “together, we can make a difference”
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Breast Cancer
By informing people about screening, symptoms, and treatment options, breast cancer awareness aims to raise awareness and lessen the stigma around the disease.
Roughly 30% of breast tumours that are in their early stages metastasize to other parts of the body.
In the United States, October 13 is designated as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The purpose of the day is to increase public awareness of the need for further research on metastatic sickness.
Mrs. Mahama stressed the need of routine breast exams in order to identify breast abnormalities at an early stage.
She urged people to be aware of early warning signs, which include, but are not limited to, irritable or itchy breasts, changes in breast colour, a sudden increase in breast size or shape, and a breast lump.
Fearing that some of the individuals who saw the warning signs choose to resort to unaccredited herbal product suppliers and merchants, Mrs. Mahama stressed that “there is always the need to report to qualified medical doctors for advice and the necessary attention.”
“It is unfortunate that many people will rush to prayer camps and unorthodox medical centres for remedy the first time they detect the warning signs, only to change their centres when the problems have aggravated.
This is not good,” she stressed.
Each Month
In addition, the former First Lady encouraged people to visit hospitals frequently all year round instead than only during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I strongly believe, there is the need for us to sustain awareness of breast cancer throughout the year rather than wait till October. With this, we will be able to nip the disease in the bud.”
Using the opportunity, Mrs. Mahama also urged those afflicted by the disease to not give up on life since there could be a solution to such issues.
She emphasised the need of collaboration among all stakeholders in raising breast cancer awareness, adding, “we must expand access to screening and treatment, and also provide the necessary support systems for those battling this disease.”
