The Upper East branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers–Ladies (GNAT-LAS) has held a day’s seminar on breast cancer for its district and municipal executives in Bolgatanga as part of this year’s World Women’s Day celebration.
Madam Jemila Mohammed, Senior Nursing Officer at the Bolgatanga Hospital, and leader of the resource team, said the main cause of
breast cancer still remained unknown but predisposing factors such as family history, age, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and
diet were used to determine one’s level of risk.
She revealed that the risk of getting breast cancer was rare in ages 20 years and below but was high in menopausal ages from 55 years and above.
“Girls who have their first menstruation from age 12 years and below are of high risk than those who have it between 15-16 years.
Risk factor is also high in women who have their first babies after age 35”.
Madam Mohammed said women who have never been married or given birth are also said to be at high risk since studies have shown that
the male spermatozoa has the capacity to neutralize risk of acquisition.
She noted that prevalent rate was high in western countries such as Britain, Switzerland and the United States of America but fatal in
Africa because of late report to hospitals.
She said in Accra, breast cancer accounted for 16 per cent of all cancers and that it was the commonest in Nigeria.
Madam Mohammed urged women to visit the hospital every one or two years to have mammography examination and screening for their cancer status.
She advised women to do self examination and report to hospital whenever they experienced any abnormalities.
The Regional GNAT-LAS Coordinator, Mrs Florence Kuribila, said her outfit decided to use this year‘s World Women’s Day to organize a
seminar to sensitize and educate the executive members on breast cancer and other related health issues.
She said the executives of the Association were ambassadors of their various communities and were therefore expected to go back and educate them on the knowledge acquired from the seminar on breast cancer and other health related issues.
Madam Kuribila thanked GNAT and Bayport Financial Service for their support for GNAT-LAS and for sponsoring the seminar.
Mr Stephen Gebute, Regional Chairman of GNAT, said leaders of GNAT were not to blame for the errors that occurred as a result of the
migration onto the Single Spine Salary Structure and urged teachers to use the appropriate channels to address their grievances.
Mr Benedict Yindol, Representative of the Regional Director of Education, advised members of GNAT-LAS to desist from the unconventional way of selling things like sweets to school children.
He suggested that members should listen to news and attend seminars to be better informed on social issues of concern.
Mr Yindol said it was sad to note the recent strikes embarked on by teachers and urged the ladies of GNAT to make efforts to promote
responsible behaviours among members.