WOMEN URGED TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Date: 07th October 2024

The President of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Ladies Club, Madam Margarete Esi Nai has urged women to lead the charge in the fight against breast cancer as part of their contribution toward global efforts aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.

Madam Esi Nai made these remarks on the inaugural day of the 2024 Pink Month, held at Cocoa House in Accra. According to her, breast cancer awareness is a collective effort that requires the active participation of all women. 

She urged members of her club to take to the streets to sensitize women and visit hospitals and marketplaces to spread awareness about safety precautions against the disease. 

“Every year, in October, we celebrate breast cancer and educate you on the prevention, and early detection but it is not just for you. It is rather for you to spread the education to the less privileged ones on the streets, in our hospitals, market areas, churches, etc.”, she said. 

According to the President, the health of staff in the industry is paramount to the management of COCOBOD. As such, the club’s contribution to raising awareness about breast cancer will significantly support management’s overall goal of maintaining a healthy workforce. 

“It is paramount to also contribute our quota as active ladies in the industry to ensure every woman is comfortable, secure and in good health to continue working for the organization”, she added.

Madam Nai stated that breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, emphasizing the need for every woman to be courageous in embracing the fight and vigilant about recognizing its signs and symptoms. 

“It is very important to remind ourselves that breast cancer is real and any of us here can be a victim of it. So, we have to be on guard when we detect it early, we can find a solution to it early before it spreads”, she emphasized.

She noted that societal rejection and stigmatization of women affected by breast cancer can lead to serious mental health challenges.

“People with breast cancer already have unstable health issues so if we neglect and reject them in our society, it poses great danger to their wellbeing. Husbands, show them love them, support them throughout their treatment process and they will live longer than expected”, she stressed.

She explained that societal rejection and stigmatization of women with breast cancer can cause mental health issues and urged her colleagues to ensure regular checks for early detection and treatment.