The Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Shirley Kyei Tiwaa, popularly known as Obaa Noaa, has announced plans to raise concerns in Parliament over the inadequate availability of modern equipment for the treatment of breast cancer in Ghana.
She said the shortage of essential medical equipment at health facilities remained a major concern, particularly at a time when stakeholders in the health sector were intensifying public education and awareness campaigns to promote early detection of the disease.
According to her, although considerable efforts had been made to educate the public about breast cancer and the importance of screening, the availability of adequate equipment to provide effective treatment for diagnosed patients remained a critical challenge.
The MP said she would make a statement on the floor of Parliament to draw the attention of the government to the situation and advocate measures to address the equipment deficit.
She made the announcement during a breast cancer screening and awareness programme organised in collaboration with Peace and Love Hospital at the Methodist Church in her constituency.
The programme, held under the theme, “Early Detection Saves Life: A Healthier Tomorrow Begins With You,” brought together health professionals, community members and breast cancer advocates to educate participants on the importance of early detection, regular screening and appropriate medical care.
As part of the event, 30 pieces of cloth were distributed to aged women in the community.
PARLIAMENTARY INTERVENTION
Hon. Shirley Kyei Tiwaa expressed concern that the country’s efforts to promote breast cancer awareness must be matched with the provision of the necessary medical equipment to ensure that patients who are diagnosed with the disease receive appropriate treatment.
She indicated that she would use her position in Parliament to highlight the challenges facing breast cancer patients and call for the necessary attention to be given to improving treatment facilities.
The MP also expressed her readiness to serve as an ambassador for breast cancer advocacy, pledging to support initiatives aimed at educating the public, encouraging screening and improving access to healthcare.
She assured her constituents of her continued commitment to addressing their healthcare needs and supporting programmes that promote their general well-being.
Her planned parliamentary intervention is expected to draw attention to the importance of strengthening the country’s capacity to diagnose and treat breast cancer, particularly through improved access to essential medical equipment.
MEN URGED TO SUPPORT PATIENTS
Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President and Founder of Breast Care International (BCI) Africa and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospital, who served as the guest speaker, called on men to provide unwavering support to their wives and partners who were battling breast cancer.
She stressed that the emotional and practical support of male partners could make a significant difference in the experiences of women undergoing treatment.
According to her, women diagnosed with breast cancer need the understanding, care and encouragement of their partners as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges associated with the disease.
She therefore urged men not to abandon their wives or partners because of a breast cancer diagnosis, but to stand firmly by them throughout their treatment and recovery.
Dr. Wiafe Addai emphasised that breast cancer should not become a reason for discrimination, rejection or the breakdown of relationships, urging families to approach the condition with compassion and understanding.
Her remarks highlighted the need for greater public education to address the stigma and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, while encouraging families to create supportive environments for affected women.
SURVIVOR SHARES EXPERIENCE
A breast cancer survivor who participated in the programme shared her emotional experience of battling the disease, offering participants an insight into the difficulties associated with diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Her testimony underscored the importance of seeking medical attention promptly and taking breast health seriously.
The survivor encouraged women to prioritise regular breast screening and apply the lessons shared by health professionals during the programme.
Other participants also shared their experiences and reflections, expressing appreciation for the education provided and emphasising the need for women to take greater responsibility for their health.
They encouraged women to remain vigilant about changes in their breasts, seek professional medical advice when necessary and avoid delaying treatment because of fear, stigma or misinformation.
The testimonies added a personal dimension to the awareness campaign, reinforcing the message that early detection and timely medical attention could improve the chances of successful treatment.
CALL FOR EARLY DETECTION
The programme further highlighted the importance of regular breast screening and public education in the fight against breast cancer.
Health professionals used the occasion to educate participants on the need to understand breast health, recognise possible warning signs and seek medical assessment when abnormalities were detected.
Participants were encouraged to put the information provided by the medical team into practice and share the knowledge with their families and communities.
The organisers emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among healthcare providers, political leaders, community organisations and the public to strengthen breast cancer awareness and improve support for affected persons.
The event also served as a reminder that awareness campaigns must go hand in hand with access to appropriate medical services and treatment facilities.
For Hon. Shirley Kyei Tiwaa, the planned parliamentary statement represents an opportunity to bring the equipment challenge to the attention of national policymakers, while her commitment to breast cancer advocacy is expected to complement ongoing efforts to promote early detection and better healthcare outcomes in Atwima Nwabiagya South.
The programme ended with renewed calls for women to undergo regular screening, families to support breast cancer patients and the relevant authorities to pay greater attention to the equipment and treatment needs of health facilities across the country.
