Dr. Serah Kaneh demonstrating how women’s breasts should be examined
Ghanaians have been called upon to stop stigmatising breast cancer patients as it harms their ability to seek treatment, reintegrate into society and receive the support they need.
Dr. Serah Kaneh, a General Surgeon at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, who made the call, emphasised the importance of public acceptance and support for breast cancer patients.
She was speaking at a health forum organised by the Employees’ Wellbeing Department of Gold Fields Ghana Limited in Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
The health forum, which was part of activities to mark breast cancer awareness week, was organised for the company’s community members, employees of Gold Fields and their spouses, as well as other corporate bodies within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
It was organised in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti Iduaprem Mine, Ghana Manganese Company Limited, Heath Gold Fields and Damang Gold Mine Limited.
Dr. Kaneh explained that breast cancer is not contagious, adding, “So we give breast cancer patients the needed support and not stigmatise them.”
She stressed that breast cancer is a disease that can affect anyone – females and males alike, but added that females are more susceptible to the disease.
She advised breast cancer patients to be confident and not let stigmatisation affect their self-esteem.
Dr. Kaneh encouraged women to perform regular self-examination, saying, “We should all know how to examine our breasts adequately. It can be monthly, so that you can notice how your breast normally appears.”
She said, “When you notice the slightest change in your breast, visit a health facility for quick intervention, because all the treatment options are available in Ghana.”
Dr. Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist for Health Services at Gold Fields Ghana, mentioned that the focus of the forum was not only on breast cancer but also on menopause.
She expressed worry that breast cancer continues to claim the lives of most women, adding that, “But I believe that most of these needless deaths could be curtailed if breast cancer victims are able to visit the hospitals for early diagnosis and treatment.”
Dr. Annabel Amina Bawah, a Gynaecologist, stressed the need for the public to understand the changes that women go through during premenopausal transition phase to the menopausal stage itself and after.
“Understanding the stages will help us cope with those women so they can continue to be productive at work.
“Menopause is not an illness but a natural phase of women’s life,” she explained.
Dr. Vida Badu Oppong, a Psychologist, added that women battling with breast cancer and menopause need psychological support from the time of screening through to treatment choice, till the time the patient might lose her life.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Tarkwa