Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI), has raised concerns about a harmful practice employed by some parents regarding the development of breasts in young girls. She cautioned against the pressing of breasts using various objects, including heated items like box irons, with the misguided belief that this would prevent promiscuity in girls who appear to be developing prematurely. Dr. Wiafe labels this practice as barbaric, emphasizing the potential damage it can inflict on breast tissues, which could result in the loss of one or both breasts as girls mature. These comments were made during an event aimed at raising awareness for breast cancer, as part of the annual October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
During her address, Dr. Wiafe clarified that breast development is a natural process that can occur at different ages; hence, any attempt to suppress this development is misguided. She noted that those engaging in such practices often fail to recognize that breast development occurs naturally and should not be interfered with. In further recommendations, she spoke out against harmful bathing practices for infants and young girls, advising caregivers against using hot water or other means to press down on the breasts, reiterating that breast size can have a hereditary basis and will often regulate itself over time.
Furthermore, Dr. Wiafe urged parents to keep a close watch on their daughters’ breast development as a method for early detection of breast cancer. With increasing cases of breast cancer emerging even among girls as young as 14, she stressed the importance of monthly self-examinations to identify any changes that could indicate the onset of the disease. In her remarks, she advocated for a shift in perspective regarding breast cancer, encouraging families to abandon myths, such as the idea that the disease is of spiritual origin, which often leads individuals to seek supernatural remedies rather than proper medical care.
Concerning breast cancer treatment, Dr. Wiafe advised against the use of traditional concoctions and harmful substances, such as sand from under a mortar and certain insects, that some people resort to in an attempt to cure the disease. She reiterated that while the exact causes of breast cancer remain largely unknown, certain risk factors can increase susceptibility to the illness. These risk factors include being a woman, family history, poor diet, and lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
The event featured Madam Cynthia Kukah, the Treasurer of Women in Aviation International, Ghana Chapter, who lauded the collaboration between BCI, Delta Airlines, and Women in Aviation in creating a strong support network for women’s health. She emphasized that true empowerment begins with prioritizing health and well-being, acknowledging that breast cancer affects everyone indirectly or directly. Together with Delta Airlines, they aim to close gaps in access to crucial health services, assisting women in obtaining the early detection and treatment necessary for recovery.
Additionally, Mrs. Sarah Djabaki Annan of Delta Airlines highlighted her organization’s longstanding commitment to the battle against breast cancer over the past 18 years. Delta has invested over $20 million into the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and has funded numerous research projects to further understand and combat the disease. With October being internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event served not only as a platform for education and action against breast cancer but also as a celebration of survivors and acknowledgment of contributions to the fight against this life-threatening illness, bringing together diverse individuals from various sectors, including survivors, aviation professionals, and community members.
