A breast cancer advocate and President of Breast Care Initiative, Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has cautioned women against skin bleaching.
The breast health specialist hinted lightening of the skin increases one’s chance of getting breast and uterus cancer.
This, according to Dr Wiafe, is based on research findings of Ghana breast health study conducted by three health institutions – Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Peace and Love Hospital.
“What we observed was that, skin lightening is one of the risk factors in women contracting breast cancer. Modern bleaching has moved from the use of only cream to using pills and injection.
“These come with negative effects on the body and increases the risk of getting the cancer. More worrying is also the risk of getting gyaenacological cancer. It is important young women refrain from any form of skin bleaching,” she said.
Engaging students of the SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Barekese as part of her breast cancer awareness outreach programme, Dr Beatrice Wiafe tasked the ladies to be conscious of their health and embark on regular beast checks.
Principal of SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College Daniel Atta Tuffuor described the breast cancer education as timely.
With the increasing rate of young persons contracting the disease and some dying as a result, young women have been entreated to check their breast regularly as part of preventive measures to avoid end stage breast cancer disease.
By Ibrahim Abubakar|TV3|3news.com|Ghana