The running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has commended the Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation for its relentless efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer.
She emphasized the need for continued education and advocacy beyond the month of October to help dispel fears surrounding the disease and encourage early screening.
Speaking at a breast cancer forum organized by the foundation over the weekend, Professor Opoku-Agyemang called for breast cancer advocates, corporate bodies, and NGOs to collaborate in promoting year-round education on the disease.
She stressed that unified efforts are crucial in saving lives and that more affordable and accessible screening services are essential to combating breast cancer.
“It is disheartening that breast cancer continues to claim thousands of lives each year in Ghana. We must make screening services accessible across all parts of the country and promote awareness to eliminate misconceptions about the disease. This will help ensure early detection and effective treatment, ultimately saving lives,” she stated.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also expressed gratitude to those who have committed their time and energy to raising breast cancer awareness.
“Your efforts are truly commendable, and I encourage you to continue the excellent work. We need to remove the stigma and fear associated with cancer so that one day, it will be seen as a disease that can be treated without fear of death.”
Reflecting on her personal experiences, she shared her hope for a future where cancer is no longer viewed as a terrifying illness, but rather as one that can be easily treated.
The running mate also donated an amount of Gh10,000 to support the treatment of economically challenged breast cancer patients.
Dr. Octavia Otoo, the founder of the Valerie Mills Memorial Breast Cancer Foundation, spoke about the inspiration behind her NGO, which was established in memory of her mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 2015.
She recalled the pain of watching her mother’s struggle and emphasized the importance of prevention over cure.
“Breast cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, often robbing women of their femininity through the loss of hair or the removal of one or both breasts,” Dr. Otoo explained. “The mental anguish that follows is immense, and we must stand by cancer fighters, offering support and ending the stigma against them.”
She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for breast cancer patients, including psychological, emotional, and financial assistance, as well as post-treatment reconstruction for those in need.
The Head of the Breast Unit at the Surgical Department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Florence Dedey, also expressed concern over the high number of breast cancer-related deaths in Ghana.
She emphasized that intensified education and awareness can promote early detection, significantly reducing the mortality rate.
EK
