TUC Health Service Workers Union with officials of Sunyani Prison
FEMALE OFFICERS and inmates of Sunyani Prison have been taken through a breast screening exercise organised by Health Service Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
All 12 female prisoners and officers were screened for signs of breast cancer at the Prison Service Clinic in commemoration of the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Madam, Harriet Sobuor Amponsa, head of women and gender of the Health Services Workers Union of TUC said the group decided to end the breast cancer awareness month at the Sunyani Medium Prisons.
“This year we decided to climax the month-long exercise at the Sunyani Prison where 43 officers and 12 female inmates have been screened. The intension is to help sensitize and let Ghanaian women pay particular attention to breast cancer detection and report to hospitals for medication,” she said.
Madam Harriet further noted that the exercise was not limited to only breast screening, adding that, general health screening to check their body mass index (BMI), blood sugar levels, height and other ailments was also done.
“This year we also donated medical consumables and hospital equipment such as all purpose weighing scales, glucometres, electronic BP Machines and many others to help the prison service clinic manage their health needs.
Those with possible health conditions were referred to medical facilities. When it is detected early it becomes easier to cure,” she said.
National Women Committee Chairperson of the organization, Betty Noamesi, emphasised the importance of self breast examination.
“Women must avail themselves every year to go through this exercise since it is possible that when one fails to detect any signs this year they can get it the following year,” she added.
FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani