Hundreds walk in Cape Coast for breast cancer awareness

Hundreds of people, including some foreign nationals Saturday morning defied rains in the Cape Coast metropolis  to embark on "Walk for the Cure" campaign on breast cancer.

Despite the intermittent rains, patrons walked through the principal streets, educating people on the need for self-examination and to report breast abnormalities to health facilities early.

The Walk

The Central Regional Minister, Mr Kwamena Duncan, a former Minister for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, the President of the Central Regional House of Chief, Obrempong Krampah, the Paramount Chief of Cape Coast, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II and the President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai joined the walk. 

Several queenmothers, breast cancer survivors and heads of institutions as well as hundreds of enthusiastic students also participated in the walk.

This year's walk, the ninth in the series, was on the theme: "Early Detection is the Best Protection" and was to create awareness about breast cancer and to show 'survivorship.'

It began from the Victoria Park after a short ceremony.

The President of BCI and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals, Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, expressed appreciation for the strength and determination shown towards the walk despite the rains, saying it was a reflection of the resolve of all patrons to fight the disease.

Visibility

She said the BCI and its partners including Delta Airlines would work even harder to heighten and sustain awareness and reduce the disease's debilitating impact on families.

Killer

She said the disease continues to kill many women and was the number one killer of women.

"If we do not shock the conscience of the public about this reality, we will wallow in self-deception and self-denial about this disturbing trend as our women perish even though cure exists."

She said breast cancer statistics would remain a scar on our conscience if all did not collectively fight the condition as a national disaster and a developmental issue.

Mr Kwamena Duncan said he was happy that patrons were committed to creating awareness.

He advised all especially women to examine their breast for early detection of the disease.

Madam Djaba called on the Ministry of Gender and government to support efforts of the BCI to sustain awareness on the disease in order to save lives.