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‘Desist seeking spiritual help for breast cancer treatment’

A breast cancer advocate, Ms Grace Animwaa has cautioned women to desist seeking spiritual help for breast cancer treatment since the disease has a medical solution.

She, therefore, underscored the need for them be careful of utterances of some pastors at prayer camp visit, cautioning instead to seek medical attention in the event of breast cancer detection.

Such pastors, she said, were only interested in extorting money from traumatised cancer victims.

Madam Animwaa made the call at a breast cancer symposium and awareness programme held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

It was organised by the Dankwa Institute in collaboration with the Senior Staff Association of the University of Cape Coast.

The symposium had the theme: “Breast cancer knowledge, attitudes and screening practices in Ghana”.

Madam Animwaa said: “These so-called men of God are actually after your money and not because they have your wellbeing at heart. Your case will get worse if you listen to them with their flowery language,” she said.

She indicated that, despite the fact that miracles do abound, it was important for people to seek medical attention, while holding on to their faith.

Madam Animwaa also admonished Ghanaians to undertake regular exercise as well as regular medical examination.

She mentioned stigmatisation and fear as some of the factors preventing women from seeking early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

She indicated that not all lumps in the breast were cancerous and said early detection was very important.

The Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof Rosemond Boohene, in her remarks, underscored the important role of women in national transformation.

She explained that, breast cancer affects the psychological wellbeing of women which result in decrease productivity.

In an address, the Board Secretary of Danquah Institute, Madam Mansa Williams, explained that the programme formed part of the Institute’s commitment towards providing the platform to discuss issues of national importance.

She explained that, breast cancer awareness was of significance due to its effect on the socio-economic wellbeing of women as well as the role of women in nation building.

She noted that the most frequent diagnose of cancer in women was breast cancer and explained that, most of the cases were diagnosed during advanced stages.

The Deputy Director of Dankwa Institute, Dr Hayford Ayerakwah, in his remarks, noted that the topic for the symposium was of relevance in the quest of the nation to create awareness for easy detection and treatment of breast cancer.

He called on Ghanaians to work with a common purpose in fighting breast cancer and building a solid nation.

FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, CAPE COAST

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