Faith Cathedral of Royalhouse Chapel International holds breast cancer awareness, screening

The Faith Cathedral of the Royalhouse Chapel International (RCI) in Ashaley Botwe, a suburb of Accra, has organised a community-wide breast cancer education and screening exercise.

The programme,  which was spearheaded by the Royal Ladies Ministries, the women's wing of the RCI, took place at the church premises on Sunday, October 27.

It was intended to equip members and residents with critical health knowledge on the early detection and support against the potential occurrence of breast cancer.

The event was organised in partnership with the 37 Military Hospital to screen and educate the participants on the risks of contracting breast cancer and its prevention, as well as giving them knowledge on how to identify its early symptoms. 

Eunice Nyarkoa addressing the church

A public health nurse from the 37 Military Hospital, Eunice Nyarkoa, noted that breast cancer was becoming one of the biggest public health challenges facing Ghana, stressing the need for early detection.

"Breast cancer awareness is important, especially for women though nowadays it has become relevant even for men. We lose about 4,000 women to breast cancer each year in Ghana," she said.

Ms. Nyarkoa blamed dietary and environmental changes, especially the use of chemical fertilizers for the rising cases of breast cancer.

She encouraged women to regularly visit health facilities to examine their breasts anytime they suspected something in their breasts.

"By taking this education right to the people, even in churches and schools, we hope to encourage people to seek timely medical advice so as to help reduce fatalities," she added.

Faith Cathedral’s Head Pastor, Reverend Nathaniel Agyin-Tettey, who spoke on the importance of fostering health awareness within the church, commended the vision of the First Lady of Royalhouse International, Rev Mrs Korankye Ankrah, popularly known as Mama Rita, for her efforts in promoting women's health in the church.

Mama Rita, who is the President General of Royal Ladies Ministries has encouraged all women in the church across the globe to educate members on Breast Cancer in their various assemblies in the month of October.

"The Bible says for lack of knowledge, my people perish, and we believe this awareness will help our congregation make informed health choices," Rev. Agyin-Tettey said.

He said the programme was not only about women and that some men participated in it, "Today, there are women and men who went through the screening since breast cancer does not discriminate between sexes."

He acknowledged medicine’s spiritual role, advocating for an understanding of healthcare professionals as part of God’s healing work.

“God gave us doctors, nurses, and treatments as instruments of His healing power, and seeking medical help complements our faith journey,” Rev. Agyin-Tettey noted. 

On his part, retired Navy Commander and Minister at Royalhouse International, Rear Admiral Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro, said the Church was proud it had joined hands in the fight against breast cancer through the initiative dubbed "Pink October".

"Globally, this month is dedicated to awareness about breast cancer, but for us, it's instilling lifetime vigilance against a disease that affects both men and women," he said. 

He expressed his gratitude to the 37 Military Hospital for their continued support, calling for continued collaborations in order to achieve awareness in all spheres of health, including mental and family health.

Some members of the church who benefited from exercise hailed the church and Royal Ladies Ministries for the initiative.