Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM) in collaboration with the Departments of Nursing and Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and the Preventive Health Clinic of KNUST has organized a one-day free breast cancer education and screening program.
The exercise forms part of the activities to mark this year’s Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated every October.
The President of WiSTEM, Professor Ibok Oduro encouraged all participants, especially women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, to conduct self-examination every month and visit accredited health facilities regularly for check-up.
Dr. Mrs. Adwoa Bemah Mensah of the Department of Nursing, explained that breast cancer is a disease that forms in the cells of the breasts. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue, change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast, changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling, a newly inverted nipple, peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin and redness or pitting of the skin over breast, like the skin of an orange. She added that the factors that are associated with breast cancer include; Increasing age, a personal history of breast conditions, a family history of breast cancer, obesity, beginning menstruation at a younger age, beginning menopause at an older age and drinking alcohol.
Dr. Mary Adjepong of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology entreated all women to plan and take diets at specific time and in the right proportions. According to her, good food is not only an important aspect in treating illnesses but also in preventing it. ‘There are a number of chronic diseases that are triggered by poor diet, but if they eat well, some diseases could be prevented’, she added.
She also stressed the need to add fruits and vegetables to daily diets because they contain large amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals and various antioxidants as well as plant compounds which lowers the rate of contracting diseases like stroke and type 2 diabetes.
