Be attentive to changes in partner’s breast - Cancer survivor advises men

A breast cancer survivor and founder of Maudlokko Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan Malik, has encouraged partners, especially men, to pay attention to the changes in their partner’s breasts.

She said partners could play a critical role in identifying early warning signs of breast cancer including lumps, dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple.

“Breast cancer does not only affect the individual; it impacts families, and partners are in good position to observe changes that may otherwise go unnoticed,” she added.

She was speaking at a Breast Cancer and Mental Health Awareness seminar in Accra last Sunday.

Additionally, Mrs Malik urged women to prioritise their health and visit wellness centres for regular breast examinations.

She said physical self-examination alone was not enough to detect early breast cancer hence the need for professional medical evaluations and advice.

Mrs Malik said women often neglected their breast health and focused more on their hair and nails. 

Event

The two-day programme aimed to raise awareness of breast cancer and mental health within the University of Professional Studies,  Accra (UPSA) environment.

It was organised by the Association of Marketing Students,  Association of Business Administration Students, the Department of Accounting Students, and the Law Students’ Association of the university.

It was held on the theme: “Break the silence: Breast cancer, mental health and self-care”.

Safe space

The President of the Association of Marketing Students, UPSA, Fareeda Bashiru, said there was a need to create a safe space for students to be aware of two most critical health issues: breast cancer and mental health.

She said: “Many students are shy or reluctant to visit hospitals to get checked, so we decided to bring screening services directly to them on campus.”

“Some students are struggling with depression or other mental health issues and don’t even realise it. It’s crucial to let them know it’s okay not to feel okay and that there are professionals who can help,” she added.

Support systems

The Executive Director of Transformed Wellness Foundation, Jessica Owoo, said there was a need for a robust support system for those battling with mental illness.

A representative of the UPSA Counselling Unit, Augustina Atkinson Dadebo, said the school Peer Counselling was praised as an essential service, especially in educational institutions such as UPSA.

She encouraged students to reach out to them for guidance, adding that the school had trained peer counsellors to maintain confidentiality.

A Mental Health Psychologist, Masha Boi Basiru, also stressed how bullying and labelling in school had long-lasting emotional effects on students.