October, globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marks an important time for The Trust Hospital.
As the hospital’s principal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Pink October, now in its 15th year, is dedicated to enhancing awareness and promoting the early detection of breast cancer.
Through a comprehensive series of screenings, outreach initiatives, and community engagement efforts, the hospital sought to make a substantial impact in the fight against breast cancer. Below is a summary of the key highlights and accomplishments from the Trust Pink October campaign.
Campaign Launch, Documentary and Initiatives
The month commenced with the launch of Pink October on October 1st, under the theme “Close the Care Gap; Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care.” This event was accompanied by a notable introduction of discounts on mammograms and breast scans. The event featured Oheneyere Gifty Anti as the distinguished Guest of Honour, who addressed the attendees on the importance of accessible cancer care.
In a significant collaborative effort, the hospital partnered with Bisa Yen to authentically portray the emotional and physical realities faced by individuals with breast cancer through the medium of drama. This initiative aimed to emphasize the profound impact of early detection and treatment on patient outcomes.
Furthermore, a documentary was premiered to enhance awareness of the cancer journey, showcasing narratives from survivors and medical practitioners and highlighting the various treatment options available at the hospital.
The launch served as a foundational event for a month filled with diverse activities, which included a health walk in Osu on October 4th, community screenings held in various venues such as churches, mosques, and corporate institutions, as well as a designated day to honor and celebrate cancer survivors.
Pink Walk Of Hope
In an effort to enhance public awareness of the complimentary health screenings available throughout the month and to promote community engagement and education, the hospital organized a health walk in Osu on the 4th of October. The walk, which covered a distance of 3.8 kilometres, attracted a significant number of participants, including hospital staff, staff of AstraZeneca, SSNIT Ladies Club, members of the Ghana Prisons Band, police officers, and various passers-by.
This initiative emphasized the significance of routine health evaluations and promoted a proactive strategy for the prevention of breast cancer.
Screening Initiatives
In October, over 50 dedicated staff members at Trust Hospital volunteered their time and expertise to conduct screenings for approximately 9,400 individuals, reflecting an 18% increase over the initial target of screening 8,000 women in 2024. Notably, the participation rate among men was an encouraging 5%, underscoring the critical fact that breast cancer can affect individuals of all genders.
These screenings were essential in facilitating early detection, thereby contributing to a reduction in breast cancer mortality through the identification of individuals who may require further examination and treatment. The significance of these screenings is substantial, as a standard walk-in screening at Trust Hospital (TTH) typically incurs a cost of 250 cedis. By providing over 9,400 screenings free of charge, Trust Hospital has effectively reinvested more than 2.3 million cedis back into the community.
In addition to the complimentary screenings, TTH has instituted a 40% reduction in mammogram prices, now priced at 200 cedis, establishing it as the most affordable option nationwide. Likewise, breast ultrasound scans are offered at a reduced rate of 160 cedis, ensuring that all women have access to both diagnostic scans and mammograms. Trust Hospital has provided more than 750 mammograms and over 300 breast scans for individuals identified as needing further evaluation.
Through the generous contributions of organizations, churches, and philanthropic individuals, certain women were able to access these essential services—specifically mammograms and ultrasound scans—at no cost. These diagnostic procedures have been instrumental in promoting early detection, and empowering participants to make informed decisions regarding the management of their health.
Extensive Community Outreach
The outreach team from Trust conducted visits to over 100 locations, encompassing churches, schools, mosques, markets, corporate institutions, and neighbourhoods throughout Osu, Kasoa, Teshie, Adenta, Nima, and several additional areas.
In collaboration with Jude Gadzekpo, the Chief Executive Officer of Jay’s Fitness Club and a committed advocate for breast cancer awareness, the Trust team engaged with the farming community of Aglokpovia in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
Additionally, the team formed partnerships with Rainbow Radio and Prudential Bank to conduct health screenings for women across various facilities. Furthermore, the initiative extended to corporate Ghana, successfully screening over sixty-five branches of banks, insurance companies and many more institutions.
The team, at the invitation of various members of Parliament and candidates from Ghana’s two major political parties, engaged with numerous constituencies to screen and educate multiple women. This collaboration significantly broadened our outreach, allowing for the dissemination of critical information regarding breast cancer awareness, prevention, and screening across a diverse array of groups.
Platform for Survivor Stories and Support Community
For the second consecutive year, Trust Hospital offered an empowering platform for breast cancer survivors to articulate their experiences, challenges, and triumphs on the 22nd of October. In conjunction with this initiative, the hospital established the Breast Cancer Survivors Support Community. Sixteen courageous breast cancer survivors, undeterred by the stigma often perpetuated by uninformed individuals, participated in this gathering. They were joined by healthcare professionals, corporate partners, and community members, all united in fostering an environment of support and understanding.
The event served to inspire individuals affected by breast cancer while concurrently emphasizing the critical importance of regular screenings for the broader community. Furthermore, it promoted a culture of support for patients and survivors, advocating that the public offer assistance rather than expressing pity or perpetuating stigma.
The Trust Hospital’s 15th Pink October campaign achieved remarkable success, characterized by substantial participation, extensive outreach efforts, and strong engagement within the community.
Beyond October
The hospital expresses its sincere appreciation to all staff members, Pink October team, partners, and all contributors whose efforts have made these initiatives impactful. Through collaboration, the hospital reaffirms its dedication to promoting breast cancer awareness and prevention within the nation and extends its gratitude for its commitment to this significant cause, which has rendered October a meaningful period at The Trust Hospital.
Through the Pink October drive, the hospital identified numerous potential breast cancer cases and, with the support of corporate entities and philanthropic individuals, has successfully provided free mammograms and ultrasound scans to some individuals who lacked the means to afford the discounted essential examinations.
However, it is imperative to recognize that while screening and detection are critical, a substantial number of patients require further treatment. Therefore, The Trust Hospital calls upon corporate Ghana to adopt these individuals through partnerships with the hospital, ensuring comprehensive care for their treatment. Addressing the continuum of care from detection to complete treatment is essential, thus prompting this urgent appeal.
The Pink October initiative should not end with screenings and detections during the month of October. It is imperative that we all commit to ensuring comprehensive treatment is provided to individuals who may require it, extending well beyond the month of October.
About The Trust Hospital Company Limited.
The Trust Hospital Company Limited is a well-known healthcare provider that is highly regarded for its exceptional healthcare services, advanced facilities, and skilled medical staff. With over 31 years of experience, the hospital is committed to providing quality healthcare services that are customer-centric and utilize the latest technology to enhance stakeholder value.
The Trust Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and neurology, oncology, dialysis among others.
The hospital also provides emergency and critical care services across its 4 hospitals and 5 clinics located in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The Trust Hospital is dedicated to sustainability, professionalism, teamwork, innovation, customer focus, and excellence.
To access these services, patients can visit any of the facilities directly or schedule an appointment by calling 0302761974/5, 0302798290, or 0231797953. For more information, visit The Trust Hospital Website. For further enquiries drop us a mail on [email protected]
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