Engen Ghana Limited has screened over 200 residents, both men and women, at Tema Community One as part of its activities to mark this year’s breast cancer awareness month.
The event, which marked the 25th anniversary celebration of the company was meant to show gratitude to the people of Tema, which was the first town the company commenced its operations in 1998.
It was organised in partnership with Sinel Specialist Hospital, who screened the participants as well as Embrace Ghana Society, an outfit which supports breast cancer survivors with needed resources.
The event brought together many dignitaries, which included the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Mr Yves Hanson- Nortey.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Engen Ghana, Brent Nartey said breast cancer was a battle that no one should fight alone hence his outfit’s resolve to renew their yearly commitment to create awareness and offer support to survivors.
“We gather here not only to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but also to celebrate the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors and our efforts to make early detection a major pillar in the fight against breast cancer,” he said.
“As Engen Ghana celebrates 25 years of dynamism, resilience and sustainable growth, we deem it right that our free breast cancer screening takes place at the place where it all begun. Our Service Station at Meridian Tema was the first to be set up when Engen Ghana commenced operations in Ghana a quarter of a century ago.”
Brent Nartey – MD of Engen Ghana speaking at the event
“At Engen Ghana, we will continue to renew our yearly commitment to breast cancer awareness and early detection and partner with organisations such as Embrace Society that support warriors like Joyce who is here with us today,” Mr Nartey added.
Social responsibility
The Corporate Communications Manager of the company, Georgette Quarmyne mentioned that, according to the Ghana Health Service, about 4000 people, mostly women, are diagnosed with the condition yearly while about 2000 die from the condition yearly.
“As stakeholders we get value through our corporate social responsibility and breast cancer is a condition that affects many in Ghana and for us being profitable is very important but impacting the communities that we operate is equally more important,” she said.
“So it is imperative that as a responsible corporate organisation, we make sure that we create the needed awareness and tell the stories of survivors. Breast cancer in itself is not a death sentence. If it is detected early and the needed treatment is given, the recipient will survive,” she added.
Self- examination
A representative from Sinel Hospital, Owusuaa Agyin advised the participants, especially those who could not visit the hospital frequently, to constantly examine themselves at home for early detection and treatment of any unusual lump.
She said breast cancer affected both genders and urged the public to be circumspect about their breasts at all times.
“We are creating an awareness for people to know the essence of having their breasts checked whether a male or female because once you have breast you can easily develop a lump. It is not limited to a particular gender,” she said.
“It is necessary to always examine your breast. Don’t wait till you have an issue then it becomes chronic before you come to the hospital. You can check every month at a clinic and you can also do self-check if you don’t want to come to the hospital. If you find out you have any issue then you visit the hospital for further examination and treatment. It is better you seek help early than wait and have a challenge before visiting the hospital,” she added.
