The French Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (CCIFG) – in collaboration with MDS-Lancet, Quest Medical Imaging and International SOS – has initiated a two-phase Corporate Social Responsibility activity in honour of Pink October to support the prevention of breast cancer.
The first phase happened on Thursday 20th October 2022, when CCI France Ghana in partnership with Quest Medical Imaging sponsored the ultrasound and mammography of 20 women from OAfrica (OA), a local NGO in Ghana with the goal of rescuing vulnerable children and young adults in need of care, and to reunify them with their families.
Managing Director of CCIFG, Armelle Sae-Jeanne said: “I come from an island, Martinique, which sadly breaks the record for cumulating the highest rates of breast cancer and prostate cancer. A lot of pedagogy still needs to be done everywhere for women to be well-informed and regularly undergo medical examinations, because breast cancer is not a question of age or race, and prevention is key when it comes to this deadly disease. If our actions contribute to helping even one woman catch this disease at an early stage, then we have accomplished our mission”.
In an interview with Dr. Vanessa Mensah-Kabu, Medical Doctor and women’s health advocate from International SOS, she stated that breast cancer awareness is to educate people about the disease and let them know signs and symptoms to look out for; such as a lump in the breasts, changes in the size and shape, the skin texture, discharge from the nipples; and tenderness in the breast, arm-pit and toward the back.
She added that the education is to also reduce the stigmatisation around breast cancer, and encourage people to seek expert advice and treatment.
“Most people think breast cancer is a spiritual problem, and so the education is also to help reduce those superstitious beliefs and let people know that breast cancer is nothing to be ashamed of; so long as one seeks health care, it will be managed accordingly,” she said.
While speaking to the beneficiaries on how to perform breast self-examination, Dr. Mensah-Kabu mentioned that most cases of breast cancer are first detected by the patients themselves.
“In lieu of trying to detect breast cancer early, it is important to self-examine the breasts to familiarise ourselves with our breasts in order to know what is normal and abnormal so that we can easily detect any unusual signs. The examination should include palpitation toward the armpits, collarbone, back and breasts,” she said.
She also added that a good lifestyle also plays a role in prevention against cancer, as smoking, drinking, obesity and sedentary lifestyles have been identified as toxic behaviours.
Also, the MDS of Lancet Laboratories, Agnes Baffoe, stated that the company’s contribution to society is to reduce breast cancer.
“Cancer is taking quite a number of our women, hence it was very important we collaborate with CCI France Ghana to help this corporate social responsibility give back to the society by providing education on breast cancer and increasing early detection and safety for our women,” she stated.
The beneficiaries were delighted and grateful for the kind gesture extended to them. One of the beneficiaries said: “Today has been insightful, and I have learnt a lot. Early detection is important in the prevention of breast cancer, and I am glad I had the opportunity for a free breast examination thanks to the French Chamber of Commerce in Ghana”.
The second phase of CCIFG’s CSR activity will take place on October 29, when Euracare Ghana will organise free breast screening at the Makola Market.
CCIFG & KEK Insurance Brokers will sponsor the ultrasound and mammography of 25 women in whom abnormalities had been detected.
