Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women. The Global incidence and mortality of breast cancer is on the rise and Ghana is no exception.
One woman dies from this disease every 69 seconds somewhere around the world. It is estimated that nearly 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed with an estimated 522,000 deaths that occurred around the world in 2012, and in Ghana, 2,260 women were diagnosed with the disease (Globocan sources).
Although, breast cancer is a highly Treatable, Curable, and Survivable if diagnosed early, 70% of Ghanaian women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are in the advanced stages of the disease. Explanations for the delayed presentation among women in Ghana include lack of breast cancer awareness and education.
On Saturday, October 25th 2014, the young and the old, men and women would Contribute in the Walk in search of a Cure, by joining the Fourth Breast Care International (BCI)�s Ghana Walk for the Cure. The Walk is the country�s largest and most successful awareness creation event for breast cancer, which was started in 2011.
The past three Walks held in Kumasi in 2011 and 2012 attracted over 13,000 and 20,000 participants respectively, whereas Accra in 2013 attracted 30,000 participants. This year�s event scheduled at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region is expected to attract more than 30,000 participants from all over the country. Several international participants will also join the Walk.
The BCI Ghana Walk for the Cure initiated by the leading Breast Cancer Awareness Creation and Research Organization in Ghana, Breast Care International (BCI), is open to the general public.
Participants in this Walk would all converge at the Regional Administration, at 6am from where they will walk through the principal streets of Sunyani and finally to the Coronation Park in Sunyani.
Water points and participant converging points will be conspicuously marked along the route. Awareness about breast cancer will be created by providing information on the disease to the participants and the general public, using placards, fliers, chiefs and queenmothers, opinion leaders, musicians, filmmakers, survivors, government officials, members of parliaments, the Print and Electronic Media, politicians, students, market women and all.
The theme for this year�s event is ��Let�s Join in the Fight, We are Stronger Together��
Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of BCI, notes that: �our organization thought it timely to start the Walk series, as we believe that in our own inimitable and special Ghanaian way, we could contribute to raising awareness on this disease, which affects us all in varying degrees - women, men and children.
This event would focus on a serious issue - preventing untimely death from breast cancer and showcase SURVIVORSHIP. However, we aim to keep fit and have fun in the process. Highlights at the end of the walk would include a concert and glimpses into the lives of some cancer survivors�.
We will like to thank the following organizations for showing their support towards this event, Inter-commercial Impex Limited (producers of Forever Easy and Yofi Sanitary pads), , Peace And Love Hospitals, Philips Healthcare, Varian Medical Systems, Roche, Johnson & Johnson, Ghana Commercial Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, Unicredit, Direct Relief, Universal Merchant Bank, Unichem, First Capital Plus, Enterprise Group, Ghana Airports and Joe Kona Company Limited.
�Corporate organizations are also encouraged to join in raising even more awareness of this event by offering their time, products, services or by donating towards this very worthy cause.��
Join us in this Walk to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer and Prompt Action leads to high survival rates.�
About Breast Care International Led by the extremely versatile breast care specialist and surgeon, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Breast Care International was conceived and formed in October 2002 as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to establish breast cancer awareness centers throughout the country dedicated to:
�Create breast cancer awareness among Ghanaian women, especially rural women since they form the majority,
�Educate the general public on the existence of breast cancer,
�Undertake breast cancer screening campaigns, counseling, and rehabilitation
�Research into the various breast pathologies especially breast cancer in Ghana.
�Educate medical, paramedical, and volunteers to help in awareness creation
Fourth Breast Care International Ghana Walk for the Cure
Osahene Kwaku Atarkyie 111 delivers a speech
The Omanhene of Kukuom Traditional area, Osahene Kwaku Atarkyie 111 was the Chairperson of the occasion
Fourth Breast Care International Ghana Walk for the Cure
Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of BCI
Fourth Breast Care International Ghana Walk for the Cure
Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of BCI and The Omanhene of Kukuom Traditional area, Osahene Kwaku Atarkyie 111
Fourth Breast Care International Ghana Walk for the Cure
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