The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with Arakan Medical Centre has held a two-day awareness campaign and free breast cancer screening from 17 to 18 October 2024.

The event held under theme "Closing the Care Gap" aims at sensitizing the public and reducing the stigma surrounding breast cancer.

The Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Department of Medical Services, Colonel Francisca Amakyi, emphasised the importance of addressing breast cancer, highlighting that awareness, public education, and early detection are critical in preventing the disease.

The Deputy Commander of Support Services Command, Brigadier General Maxwell Mantey, who was the Guest of Honour, noted that breast cancer affects both men and women, urging the audience to dispel the misconception that only women are at risk. He pointed to the reliance on traditional and herbal remedies as a significant challenge in combatting breast cancer.

Brigadier General Mantey revealed that approximately 4,000 new cases are diagnosed in Ghana each year, often at late stages and commended GAF and Arakan Medical Centre for promoting awareness and providing screening services for early detection.

The Head of Pharmaceutical Services at International Maritime Services, Dr Mark Kwame Dzradose, elaborated on the causes, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer. He stressed the importance of offering support to those diagnosed with the disease and urged healthcare professionals to choose their words carefully when interacting with patients, as insensitivity can worsen their plight.

Dr Dzradose advocated for the establishment of systems to manage patient care effectively and encouraged compassion towards those affected and outlined the various treatment options available including surgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.