Government Commends BCI For Breast Cancer Awareness Drive

The government has given high marks to Breast Care International (BCI), Kumasi-based breast cancer awareness NGO, for its efforts at helping to reduce the spread of the disease in the country.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama said, the Government recognises the important contribution of the organisation and will give it every necessary support.

He was speaking at the start of the historic Susan Komen Ghana �race for the cure of breast cancer� in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.

Organised by BCI, it was the first to be held in West Africa and aimed at mobilising grass-root participation to highlight the dangers of breast cancer and the need for regular self-examination, for early detection and treatment to prevent deaths.

The over 10,000 people, who took part, marched from the Centre for National Culture through some principal streets, ending at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Vice President Mahama expressed Government�s commitment to the fight to rein in the disease and explained why he delayed his trip to Ethiopia to attend an extra-ordinary session of the African Union to participate in the race.

He advised women to undertake regular self-examination and report any anomalies in their breast to the health facilities, saying, early detection is the surest way of reducing the casualty levels.

Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief executive of BCI, said, there is the need to explore avenues and resources to create awareness on breast cancer.

Dr .Mrs. Addai said, BCI will continue to be at the forefront of activities to sustain awareness and called for public support.

Mrs. Katrina D. Mcghee, Executive Vice President of Susan Komen Foundation, cannot hide her joy at the success of the event, noting that, it was the biggest race ever to be organised in Africa.

She urged women to spearhead the fight to check the disease in the continent.

Source: GNA