<<Print>>

Dr Baffuor Awuah, Medical Director of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has cautioned women against the use of herbal preparations and unapproved substances that could pre-dispose them to cervical and other cancers. He expressed concern about the situation where some women apply powder and lemon in their private parts in an attempt to keep the place dry and hygienic. He gave the warning at a health fair to mark the first annual international event to end women cancers at Manhyia in Kumasi. Dr Awuah, an Oncologist, advised women to have the courage to report to the medical facility with any abnormality or changes they might notice in their breasts and other private parts. The fair was organized jointly by the Breast Care International (BCI) and Globeathon as part of global efforts to engage in cancer education and awareness creation in solidarity with millions of women and families affected by cancers. The event brought together medical professionals, government officials, cancer survivors, traditional rulers and volunteers to put a spotlight on the disease. Dr Awuah said the burden of cancers, especially on women and the nation�s health care delivery system was enormous and that was why women should at least undertake breast examination every month for early detection of any form of suspicious development. The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Yaw Adusei, commended BCI and Globeathon for the initiative to create a common platform to share ideas and promote sustained awareness. He pledged the support of the government to efforts at reducing cancer fatalities, especially among women. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, in a speech read for him, gave thumps up to BCI for its leadership role in the fight to bring hope and reduce the suffering of breast cancer victims. He noted that the organization and its partners through sustained awareness campaign over the years had demonstrated strong commitment and selflessness to battle the disease as well as provide care and support to victims and survivors of the disease. The Asantehene called for vigorous education campaign to help bring down cancers. Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive of BCI, identified breast and cervical cancers as the two leading causes of death among women and said it was disturbing that most patients reported for treatment late. Dr Larry Maxwell, Global Director of Globeathon, said the twin goal of his organization was to assist deepen the knowledge of women about the symptoms of disease and raise research funding to develop better tools to defeat cancers.