The Bechem Government Hospital in the Ahafo Region has intensified efforts to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the Tano South Municipality as part of its campaign to save more lives.
Nurse Manager at the facility, Vida Ompong, said the hospital is scaling up community outreach and public education initiatives to encourage women to seek screening and medical attention early.
Speaking to Adom News during a breast cancer awareness float, sensitisation exercise, and free screening event in Bechem, Mrs. Ompong revealed that many breast cancer-related deaths in the municipality result from patients reporting late to health facilities.
“It is worrying to see women dying because they do not report early for treatment. That is why we have intensified sensitisation and free screening exercises for churches, schools, and community groups,” she explained.
She added that the hospital’s community-based approach — which includes health floats, door-to-door education, and targeted outreach — is already helping more women understand the importance of early detection.
“We believe these efforts will help end the late reporting of breast cancer cases in Tano South,” she said.
The Akwamuhene and acting president of the Bechem Traditional Council, Nana Boampong Bekoe, who chaired the event, commended the hospital for its proactive stance in the fight against the disease.
He urged national health authorities to expand awareness campaigns beyond October, suggesting that Breast Cancer Awareness Month be observed three times a year due to the deadly nature of the illness.
“Given how dangerous breast cancer can be when not detected early, I believe Ghana should intensify awareness campaigns throughout the year,” Nana Bekoe said.
The event drew participants from various communities, with over 100 women benefiting from free screening and education sessions led by the Bechem Government Hospital’s medical team.
Source: Sammy Asare
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