ADDRO screens over 600 women for breast cancer in Wiawso Municipality

The Anglican Diocesan Development Organisation (ADDRO), in partnership with the Wiawso Municipal Health Directorate, has climaxed a breast cancer awareness campaign with a free screening exercise for 647 women and young girls in the Western North Region.

Out of the total screened, 17 suspected cases were identified and referred to the Wiawso Government Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.

The exercise, aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection of breast cancer, formed part of ADDRO’s “Moments that Matter (MTM)” project — an Early Childhood Development initiative funded by the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), USA. The project focuses on nurturing care for children aged zero to three years while empowering caregivers economically through its Savings with Education (SwE) and skills training components.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Michael Arthur, ADDRO’s Western North Regional Project Officer, said the initiative aligned with this year’s global breast cancer theme, emphasising early detection and ending stigma, as highlighted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

He explained that during the Pink October campaign, ADDRO and the Health Directorate conducted free breast cancer screening and awareness activities across ten communities where the MTM programme is being implemented.

Mr Isaac Belia Benson, Wiawso Municipal Health Promotion Officer, commended ADDRO for the collaboration and urged women to prioritise breast health education and regular screening, stressing that early detection could save lives.

Madam Sarah Abena Oppong, a Staff Midwife at the Boako Health Centre, also encouraged women to undertake periodic medical check-ups to prevent late-stage breast cancer diagnoses.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to ADDRO for organising the exercise. Madam Akua Afriyie, one of the participants, urged fellow women and young girls to take advantage of such screening opportunities to know their health status and seek professional guidance when necessary.