Nearly 70% of Ghanaian women diagnosed with breast cancer are in advanced stages due to low awareness, resulting in a high death rate.

The AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation is collaborating with the Adansi South Health Directorate and the Edubiase Traditional Council to create awareness on the deadly disease.

Research shows about 30 per cent of breast cancer patients are below 35 years. In addition, one out of 8 females diagnosed has breast cancer.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 of promoting good health and well-being, Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine is creating awareness of breast cancer in vulnerable communities.

Edmund Oduro Agyei, stakeholder superintendent at AngloGold Ashanti (AGAG), believes early detection, diagnosis and treatment can reduce the rate of the disease.

“AngloGold Ashanti has, over the years, implemented several strategic interventions to contribute to improving access to quality health care in and beyond Obuasi.

“There is a relatively possible shift of cancer burden to women in their early ages and the need for a nationwide breast cancer screening for women, “he said.

While the rate of breast cancer increases amongst women in Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation (AGAHF) is worried about the rise in cases of prostate cancer in men.

Executive Director of AGAHF, Dr Kwadwo Anim, urged men to visit the hospital for prostate cancer screening frequently.

“It is estimated that 1.3 million people will have prostate cancer by age 65, and this is worrying. We have averagely recorded 10 cases of prostate cancer in Obuasi and Adansi for the past year. Early detection saves life’s, so men need to visit the hospital often for examination,” he counselled.

Communities in Adansi South District Assembly were educated on self-breast examinations and screened for prostate and breast cancer.

Queen mother of New Edubiase, Nana Akua Dwum II, advised women to wash their braziers regularly to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

“Some women can wear one brassiere for six months without washing it. It is important that we take care of our breast, and I would plead women to avoid tight-fitting brassieres,” the queen mother advised.