The Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation recently hosted a breast cancer awareness forum in Accra, held at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s National Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine Centre. The event commenced with a health walk through the streets of Korle Bu, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting the life-saving importance of early detection. The foundation’s founder, Dr. Ing. Octavia Otoo, spoke passionately about her personal journey, having been influenced to create the foundation by her mother’s own two-decade-long battle with breast cancer. Dr. Otoo emphasized the mission of the foundation to promote early detection, stating, “Early detection saves lives,” and encouraged women to participate in regular screenings to catch potential issues early on.
The mental, emotional, physical, and financial strains of breast cancer were central to Dr. Otoo’s address. She highlighted the foundation’s commitment to supporting women who are facing breast cancer by providing resources such as reconstructive surgeries, financial aid, and psychological support. “We aim to hold as many hands as we can, fighting hard as Valerie did,” she stated, showcasing the foundation’s compassion and resolve. In a demonstration of their dedication, the Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation presented a substantial cheque for GH¢100,000 to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, intended to assist patients battling breast cancer and ensure they receive the necessary treatment and care.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the NDC running mate and chairperson of the event, applauded the foundation’s efforts in organizing the forum. She emphasized that awareness initiatives should extend beyond the designated month of October so that more individuals could benefit from the life-saving potential of early detection. Dr. Opoku-Agyemang passionately called for heightened government involvement to cover the costs of breast cancer testing and screening, indicating that the next NDC government plans to include this in their manifesto. Her commitment to reinforcing these initiatives was further evidenced by her donation of GH¢10,000 to the Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation, aimed at bolstering the awareness campaign.
As part of the program, Dr. Florence Dedey, the Head of the Breast Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Breast Cancer Awareness: Understanding the Facts and Importance of Early Detection.” Dr. Dedey stressed the significance of not just awareness but understanding the realities surrounding breast cancer. She remarked that knowledge is essential for prevention and timely response. Acknowledging that anyone can be affected by the disease, she noted that women over 40 are at an elevated risk and thus need to be particularly vigilant. The importance of early detection was underscored as being crucial for saving lives, and Dr. Dedey drew upon her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor to inspire the audience.
In her address, Dr. Dedey encouraged women to seek medical assistance at the first sign of any changes in their breasts and debunked misconceptions about breast cancer being a spiritual disease. “Breast cancer requires medical treatment,” she stated firmly, reminding attendees that awareness and understanding are key components in combating this disease. By coming together in such forums, participants renewed their commitment to raising awareness, supporting one another, and ultimately fighting against the prevalence of breast cancer in Ghana.
The forum culminated in a collective resolve to prioritize early detection and education about breast cancer, making strides toward reducing its impact on women and communities alike. The combination of personal testimonies, monetary support from key figures, and expert insights reiterated the urgency of the cause. With the combined efforts of organizations like the Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation, healthcare professionals, and advocates like Dr. Opoku-Agyemang, there is hope for more comprehensive awareness and proactive approaches to breast cancer detection, potentially saving many lives in the future.
