A Resident General Surgeon at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Dr Solomon Oppong Akorley, has cautioned against the perception that breast cancer affects only women, saying men are also at risk of developing the disease.
He said although breast cancer is less common among men, available research indicates that approximately one in every 100 breast cancer cases may occur in men.
Dr. Akorley made the observation during a breast cancer sensitisation exercise organised by the Ghana Revenue Authority Workers’ Union (GRAWU) in Bolgatanga to commemorate Pink October.
He said the misconception that men could not develop breast cancer could discourage them from paying attention to symptoms or seeking medical attention when necessary.
“We actually have the misconception that men do not develop breast cancer. But today, we got to know that at least one in about 100 cases of breast cancer may affect men,” he said.
He urged men to be conscious of changes in their breast tissue and seek medical assessment when they notice unusual symptoms.
Dr. Akorley also expressed concern about the emergence of breast cancer cases among younger people, noting that although the disease had traditionally been associated with peak ages around 40 to 49 years, cases were now being recorded among people in their early thirties.
“We have cases as low as 30, 32 years developing breast cancer. That should tell us that we need to start screening early and report to the hospital as soon as we notice anything,” he stated.
He identified alcohol consumption, lack of physical exercise and obesity among the modifiable risk factors that could predispose people to breast cancer. The surgeon advised the public to practise self-breast examination, participate in screening programmes and seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes.
He further encouraged individuals to undergo regular general medical examinations to monitor their overall health. The sensitisation exercise was organised by GRAWU as part of activities marking Pink October, an international campaign observed every October to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection and support for patients.
Before the exercise, male and female members of the union embarked on a health walk through the principal streets of Bolgatanga to create awareness about breast cancer, its effects and preventive measures.
Local Secretary of GRAWU, Revenue Officer Awafo Cynthia, said the union considered the health and welfare of both male and female workers important, hence the decision to organise the awareness programme.
She said the activity was also intended to correct the perception that breast cancer was exclusively a women’s disease.
“Our perception about breast cancer being solely a women’s disease has to be eradicated. Even men are also at risk of getting breast cancer,” she said.
R.O. Awafo urged the public to make screening and medical examinations a regular practice rather than waiting for the annual awareness month.
She said the union considered health education an important part of its responsibility towards its members and the wider community.
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