Akua Adziyinara, a 65 year old resident of Butumagyabu in the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency of the Western Region says she is eternally indebted to former regional secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue for organising a breast screening exercise which revealed she could be at risk of having breast cancer.
She heard Charles Bissue and a nurse from the Essikadu Government Hospital announcing the free breast screening programme at the Essikadu Government Hospital on Connect FM and decided to take part.
“I have heard many announcements about these free breast screening programs but this time, something just told me to go and check,” she told Connect FM.
“In fact, when I was told that I had a lump in my breast I was worried but then I was assured that once it has been detected early, there will be further examination to determine what it actually is for onward advice and action since it could be anything.
“Imagine if Charles Bissue had not organised this program. There is something divine about this exercise because I’ve been very stubborn about going for a check up. But this time, I did not hesitate and look at the discovery. I’m particularly elated because I’ve learned that the cost of the further examination will again be borne by Charles Bissue.”
This is the appreciation of Akua Adziyinara and many others who took part in the free breast screening program organised by Charles Bissue and the Essikadu Government Hospital.
The program saw hundreds of residents of Essikadu-Ketan and other communities coming to examine their breast.
According to data from the exercise 6 persons have breast with discharges, 17 with a lump in one breast, 22 with a lump in both breast, 3 with swollen and dimpled breast, 10 with pains in the breast and 1 with wound on the areola.
Margaret Eshun, Principal Midwifery Officer at the hospital indicated that data from the exercise shows that “this exercise has been very timely as it has led to many discoveries we can act on quickly.
“If you look at some of the cases and the fact that the victims were not aware, then this exercise has been very helpful. We will go ahead with further investigations but the data is a good start.
“I will therefore recommend that women especially should not wait for exercises like these before paying attention to their breasts. They can do simple examining at home or regularly visit any health care facility near then to check their breast.
“Early detection is very important.”
For Charles Bissue, he is too familiar with how breast cancer can “steal your prized possession” as he has “lost very close relations to breast cancer.
“So for me, this is a call to duty that our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, work colleagues should not die of breast cancer.
Charles Bissue is an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the NPP in Essikadu – Ketan and he said “what I’m doing has nothing to do with the fact that I’m seeking the mandate of residents of Essikadu – Ketan to represent them in parliament.
“October is the month we have all come to accept as the month for breast cancer awareness. So it is only natural that we all join in the effort to create the necessary awareness. I would have done this regardless.”