Private medical facility Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre has called on all women to get screened as the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
According to the facility’s Medical Director, Dr. Grace Buckman, available statistics indicate that breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths – hence the need to create more awareness for everyone to get screened, as early detection saves lives.
Speaking at a United Breast Cancer Awareness walk organised by the Facility on Saturday, 30th September, Dr Buckman said: “From research, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Undoubtedly, the statistics are very scary; and that is why we must all rise to the task of creating awareness.
“Experts have it that women who get screened regularly for breast cancer have a 47% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who do not. So, take advantage of our free screening offers this whole month and get checked.”
To help create more awareness, Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre is running a month-long campaign to raise awareness and highlight the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, and highlight methods for prevention and early detection of breast cancer. The theme for the campaign is ‘RISE’ – meaning Rally In Screening Everyone.
“We hope to screen up to 500 women this year for free. Considering the financial burdens of many, we will once again offer 50% discounts for all breast ultrasounds scans and 20% discount on Mammograms throughout the month. This gesture of Sonotech has often brought some financial relief to many individuals and families, helping them save some money for other needs,” she said.
Providing more details, she said there will be talks; sharing educational materials on breast cancer prevention; regular screening for early detection; and where to find help when needed.
“There will be TV, radio and social media engagements to educate the public on the disease. All branches of Sonotech and its partners will also be open for free breast-screening throughout the month,” she said.
She added that donations from the public and from partners will be presented to support activities of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Breast Cancer Unit to support their activities.
Sonotech’s October breast cancer awareness campaign has come a long way – screening over 600,000 women and offering financial relief to over 5,000 women with free scans; and up to 50% discounted breast ultrasound and mammogram scans over the past seven years.
This sustained campaign has challenged individuals, families and other organisations to get on board to help expand the fight against the disease’s scope. Not even outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic could halt our momentum in this fight, despite its impact on many institutions at the time.
As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness, Sonotech celebrates and honours the courage and resilience of breast cancer survivors by encouraging creative and supportive messaging that embodies our mission for raising breast cancer awareness and support.
The United Breast Cancer Awareness Walk was a prelude to activities slated for the month, and offered the staff of Sonotech and all partners an opportunity to take part in enjoyable physical activity that was also used to raise public awareness on breast cancer.
