Breast Care International (BCI) has inaugurated a 3-day fundamental oncology training program for a select group of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners serving in the Atwima Kwanwoma District and Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region, aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in cancer care.

The training program, themed "Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of Healthcare Professionals in the Field of Oncology," aims to equip participants with comprehensive skills in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, foster collaborative approaches to treatment planning, and encourage joint clinical and research initiatives.

At the launch of the training program at Peace and Love Hospital, Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, CEO of Breast Care International, explained that the initiative was prompted by the realisation that patients from rural areas often experience delayed diagnoses and sometimes lose their lives due to lack of knowledge among nurses and physician assistants in identifying cancer symptoms, leading to late-stage presentations.

Dr Wiafe-Addai emphasised their goal to empower healthcare professionals with the necessary information and skills to effectively identify and diagnose various types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, thereby improving patient outcomes and changing the prevailing narrative of delayed diagnoses and unnecessary losses.

She expressed her expectation that, following the training, participants would be equipped with the necessary knowledge to effectively manage cancer cases in their rural health centres, enabling them to provide quality care and make a positive impact in their communities.

“To change the narrative, the nurses after the training will equip themselves with the knowledge to diagnose cancers and refer patients to hospitals for further checks and examinations,” she stated.

Kumasi Metropolitan Mayor, Samuel Pyne commended Breast Care International for the valuable training, acknowledging cancer as a formidable health threat that requires attention.

He expressed his belief that equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge on cancer diagnosis and treatment will enable them to save lives at the health center level, making a significant impact in the community.

The Queen mother of Ejisu, Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, urged the physician assistants and nurses undergoing cancer training to uphold high ethical standards, providing quality care with compassion, empathy, and dedication.

She emphasised the importance of treating all patients equally, regardless of appearance or socio-economic status, and serving with diligence and kindness, without discrimination.

"Treat patients based on their needs, not their appearance or financial status. Provide care without bias or prejudice, and let compassion and professionalism guide your actions," she said.

Yaa Asantewaa II statement emphasized that every patient deserves equal attention, care, and compassion, and that healthcare professionals should not let external factors influence their judgment or behavior.