A Family Physician, Dr William Okrah Konadu, has advised women to examine their breast at least once every year, to ensure the early detection of breast cancer for immediate treatment. 

He said because breast cancer had no initial symptoms, some women could unknowingly live with the diseases for many years and advised husbands to ensure the periodic examination of their wives’ breasts for any unusual lumps and assist them to report for immediate care. 

Dr Konadu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fairview Clinic in Sunyani, gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), on the sidelines of a free health screening exercise held at Koonum, a community in the Sunyani Municipality. 

The management of the clinic in collaboration with Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a media advocacy non-governmental organisation, organised the exercise, which benefited more than 100 residents, mostly women and young girls, as well as people from adjoining communities, including Asufufu and Watchman. 

They were screened for various health conditions, including diabetes, hepatitis “B,” hypertension, body mass index, sugar levels and breast cancers. 

Dr Konadu said breast cancer was treatable, only when the disease was detected early and advised women, who experienced abnormalities in their breast to visit health facilities for prompt medical attention. 

“Breast cancer can be hidden for years without the patient going through any pain and that makes the disease dangerous,” he added. 

He said the economic burden of the disease on the individual, family, society and the nation by extension remained huge and advised men to show interest in the well-being of their wives. 

Dr Konadu explained that in the interim, the Clinic as part of its corporate social responsibility, was offering free health screening to improve the health status of the residents within its catchment areas.  Besides, the facility also provided tele medicine, office and home healthcare as well other online health services to bring quality healthcare to the doorstep of the people, he added.