At Joy FM, October is dedicated to educating people about breast cancer through programmes that suit the cause.

This year's initiative was launched on the Cosmopolitan Mix on Joy FM, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Hosted by Doreen Andoh, the launch featured the Programmes Manager of Joy FM, Edem Knight-Tay; the Public Health Resident Medical Director at Sonotech Medical Centre, Dr. Grace Buckman; and Fafa Gozo, a breast cancer survivor.

Speaking on the show, Edem Knight-Tay, the Programmes Manager of Joy FM outlined some activities lined up or this year's edition of 'Pink October'.

"Like we have always done, in October, Cosmopolitan Mix is the show we dedicate to breast cancer awareness creation here on Joy FM, especially so because the host is also a woman so she is able to understand and explain things better," she noted.

Edem added that "for the month like we always do, we are going to be sharing tips on breast cancer awareness everyday of the month. This year what is new is that we are going to do add a question and answer segment to it, so a question will be thrown, and then it is also to encourage active listenership and participation. So you are listening, you are picking down the tips and by the end of the week we are asking you what you have learnt, and once you are able to send the answers in, our partners, Sonotech are on board and then you get to have some freebies. You have t-shirts, and a lot of paraphernalia."

She re-iterated that there are more prizes to be won by taking part in programmes that will air on Cosmopolitan Mix.

"Some people are also going to win mammogram vouchers, and then we also have free screenings. Then along the line, we also will be giving out where you can go to get your breasts screened for free but in case something is detected you will be advised on what to do," she said.

Fafa Gozo, who recounted her breast cancer journey spoke about the pain she went through.

"The doctor said mine was more hormonal so they had to take off my ovaries and fallopian tubes. There are things I would have to live with for a long time, the pains I have to endure - things like early menopause, my left arm hs gone numb totally so I can't feel anything that is why I don't drive," Fafa told the host Doreen Andoh.

She encouraged people battling cancer to keep on fighting till they win, while she advised people to take their diets seriously.

"It is difficult but it is doable. It is better than entrusting your life in the hands of herbalists," she intimated.

According to Dr. Grace Buckman, Fafa's story shows that there is a lot to be done about creating awareness on breast cancer. She therefore suggested education on the sickness is amplified and also encouraged people to keep getting screened periodically.

The Cosmopolitan Mix airs on Joy 99.7 FM, weekdays from 10am to 12pm. It is hosted by Doreen Andoh.