The Medical Department under the Technical Directorate of the National Sports Authority (NSA) organized a one-day free Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening exercise for its staff.
The Head of the Medical Department, Miss Lydia Acheampomaa Addai in her capacity led in the organisation of this program. In line with the medical vision of the Director General of the NSA, Professor Peter Twumasi, this event is Miss Lydia’s first initiative upon resumption of duty towards a medically integrated NSA. Together with her team, the Medical Department seeks to usher the Sports Authority into an era of good medical care and promotion.
The Ag. Deputy Director-General (Technical) of NSA, Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr. was present to welcome the medical team from the Total House Clinic as he urged them to maintain such relationships. He expressed his gratitude for such initiative that was brought to our door post and is hopeful this education will be effective in the awareness creation era to curb further complications.
Dr. Julia Padiki Derban, a general medical practitioner with over 20years experience, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Total Trust Clinic with a passion for Breast Cancer Awareness and Cervical Cancer Awareness led the staff through the discussion. She explained that, breast cancer is a common cause of death among women between the ages of 45 and above without a known cause. Breast cancer has been the leading cause of cancerous death associated with women over the years but has decrease this year due to early detection and awareness creation. She also explained that, men as well experience breast cancer but rare.
She stated that, genetic mutation (family history), ovarian cancer, high estrogen, late pregnancy and late menopausal period are some factors that can put one at a risk of contracting breast cancer. She emphasized that, breast cancer starts as a painless lump in the breast, however not all lumps are cancerous but it is advisable to seek early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Changes in breast size either big or shrink, color, shape, bloody discharge from the nipples, darken skin texture of the nipples are some signs of breast cancer. Hormones replacement therapy equally produces estrogen that put one at risk of contracting breast cancer.
She cautioned staff of age 40 and above to take advantage of the Mammogram, a procedure that uses low X-ray to examine and screen breast for diagnosis. She further advised that, if there is any lump felt in the breast, a procedure called Biopsy is done to effectively diagnosed by taking a part of the lump cells to detect if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
She urged everyone to be having a periodic clinical checkup once a year as well as, self-breast examination at least once a month. More so, we should be on the lookout for signs such as change in breast size, shape, skin texture and discharges from the nipples. She advised prolong breast feeding of babies can equally reduce the chances of contracting breast cancer.
Finally, a screening session was held for all staff including the men to further examine the breast for prevention, early detection and diagnosis.
Story by:Marvelina Ayi-Bonte
📸:Joseph Nana Ampoe