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0 Breast Care International (BCI) has taken its life-saving mission of early detection and prompt action saves lives to the Eastern Region to offer breast cancer education and clinical screenings to underserved women population.
The second edition of the “Let’s End Breast Cancer Project” campaign was held at Abetifi in the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region. The launch took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education campus in the same district.
In collaboration with the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, the project carried out comprehensive research to identify possible environmental factors contributing to breast cancer in the Eastern Region.
BCI said a team of health workers will frequently visit the region to ensure a large population of residents, especially the vulnerable from deprived communities receive education and clinical screening on breast cancer.
The Organisation aims to bridge the care gap to ensure no one battles breast cancer alone.
The initiative has already empowered thousands across Ghana to foster a stigma-free society and promote breast cancer awareness – so that no one dies from the disease.
President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, stressed that every day is an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer, indicating the importance of a year-round awareness campaign.
“By promoting awareness, education, research, and training, BCI and Teva Pharmaceuticals aim to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in the Eastern region.
“Free breast cancer screening will be organized at the various communities, and those people identified with the disease will be referred to the hospitals for immediate commencement of treatments,” Dr Wiafe-Addai said.
Given the numerous risk factors, including excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy lifestyle habits, she advocated for intensified education and clinical screening efforts.
By adopting a proactive approach to breast cancer awareness and education, Dr Wiafe-Addai aims to reduce late-stage presentations and improve the quality of life for women at risk.
She advised women with breast cancer to seek medical attention but not to resort to traditional medicine that has not been medically proven to cure breast cancer.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between BCI and US-based Teva Pharmaceuticals to ensure breast cancer information reaches the last person in deprived communities.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Prof. Edward Debrah Wiafe, stated that the institution’s research intends to pinpoint potential contaminants linked to diseases such as breast cancer.
He emphasised that the environment is polluted with weedicides, pesticides, and chemicals such as mercury, which is used in illegal mining in forests and water bodies. “These toxic substances are ingested by humans through the food grown in these contaminated areas,” he said.
Prof. Wiafe also stated that these chemical substances are non-degradable, and when consumed, they can lead to various health issues, with breast cancer being no exception. “We will gather soil samples and analyse them to link them to common health conditions, particularly breast cancer.”
The Principal of Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, Dr. Mrs. Phyllis Agyeman Nyarko, acknowledged after the breast cancer education that it had corrected their misconceptions about the disease.
She acknowledged that the disease is not caused by witchcraft; it is curable, preventable, and treatable. “We have also learned that breast cancer can affect women of all ages, which highlights the importance of having our breasts regularly screened to know our health status.”
