Ms Diana Sena Awutey, District Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme Coordinator and Health Promotion Officer of the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, has called for a united front to end breast cancer through awareness creation, early screening, and strong community partnerships.
She made the call at a stakeholder engagement to officially mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the district.
It was under the theme, “Uniting Against Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives,” which aligns with the Breast Society of Ghana’s national theme, “Advanced Breast Cancer: The Underserved Majority – Challenges and Opportunities.”
The meeting brought together key partners, including traditional leaders, civil society groups, media, and health professionals, to strengthen collaboration and bolster a collective stand against breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that continued to affect women in the district and beyond.
Ms Awutey emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally, posing a major threat to women’s health, but affirmed that with shared responsibility and community commitment, significant progress could be made in saving lives.

“As we mark October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us once again rise to the call of duty as champions of health and hope,” she said.
“Breast cancer remains one of the leading health challenges among women, but through our collective efforts, we can make a lasting impact. Your voice could be the reason someone chooses to get screened in time. Together, we can end breast cancer in our lifetime.”
Ms Awutey highlighted some of the challenges facing the Non-Communicable Diseases programme in the district, which included limited funding, low public awareness, and inadequate health infrastructure for tracking, and managing NCD cases.
She also lamented the lack of basic health apparatus such as blood pressure monitors and glucose meters, which were vital for early detection and management of hypertension and diabetes in most health facilities across the district.
The Coordinator noted that the Directorate would intensify routine health education and awareness creation through all available communication channels, while advocating for greater private sector involvement in NCD prevention, control, and management.
She added that efforts were underway to mobilise resources to establish wellness clinics in all health facilities and conduct scheduled community outreach screenings for groups such as market women, pensioners, artisans, and security services.
Ms Awutey called for increased investment in healthcare, capacity building for health workers, and stronger community participation in health promotion activities and reiterated that breast cancer and other NCDs posed a major public health challenge, that demanded a comprehensive and coordinated response.
“Together, we can make October a turning point in the fight against breast cancer through appreciation, encouragement, and support,” she said.
“We are reversing the epidemic through awareness and action. Let us unite to save lives and protect the future of our women.”
Ms Awutey commended the GLOWDEP Foundation for its continuous partnership with the Health Directorate to empower women through education and screening.
Health officers took participants through demonstrations on self-breast examination techniques, educating them on the importance of regular checks and prompt reporting of any unusual breast changes.
Mr Baba Awuni, the Central Tongu District Health Director, also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a healthy district where residents live longer with optimal physical and mental well-being, through continuous education, screening, and prevention-focused healthcare.
The participants actively took part in the demonstrations and discussions, sharing experiences and strategies on how to intensify community education and mobilise women for screening.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge from stakeholders to promote advocacy, funding, and community outreach programmes aimed at reducing breast cancer cases in the district.