On October 7, 2025, the Central Tongu District in Ghana’s Volta Region became the focal point of a renewed call to action in the fight against breast cancer. At a stakeholder engagement held in Adidome to mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, health officials, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and community members gathered to deliberate on strategies to reduce the burden of breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The event was organised 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 gathering was not only symbolic of the district’s commitment to health promotion but also a practical step toward mobilising communities to take ownership of preventive health practices.
Ms. Diana Sena Awutey, District Non-Communicable Diseases Programme Coordinator and Health Promotion Officer of the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, delivered a passionate appeal for collective responsibility in tackling breast cancer. She reminded participants that breast cancer remains one of the most common NCDs globally and continues to pose a major threat to women’s health.
Yet, she expressed optimism that with shared responsibility, awareness creation, and community partnerships, significant progress could be achieved. “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”.
Her remarks highlighted the dual challenge facing the district: the rising prevalence of breast cancer and the broader burden of NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes. Ms. Awutey lamented the lack of basic health apparatus in many facilities, including blood pressure monitors and glucose meters, which are vital for early detection and management. She explained that limited funding, low public awareness, and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder the district’s ability to track and manage NCD cases effectively.
To address these gaps, the Directorate plans to intensify routine health education and awareness creation through all available communication channels. Ms. Awutey also called for greater private sector involvement in NCD prevention and management, noting that partnerships with non-governmental organisations and community-based groups are essential for sustaining progress. She revealed that efforts were underway to mobilise resources to establish wellness clinics in all health facilities and to conduct scheduled community outreach screenings targeting groups such as market women, pensioners, artisans, and security services.
The engagement also featured practical demonstrations. Health officers guided participants through self-breast examination techniques, emphasising the importance of regular checks and the need to promptly report any unusual changes. These demonstrations were interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and sharing personal experiences. The approach reflected a recognition that awareness campaigns must go beyond information-sharing to equip individuals with practical skills that can save lives.
Mr. Baba Awuni, the Central Tongu District Health Director, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a healthy district where residents can live longer with optimal physical and mental well-being. He stressed that continuous education, screening, and prevention-focused healthcare would remain central to the Directorate’s strategy. His remarks reinforced the message that breast cancer prevention is not a one-off campaign but a sustained effort requiring consistent investment and community participation.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from stakeholders to intensify advocacy, mobilise funding, and expand community outreach programmes aimed at reducing breast cancer cases in the district. Ms. Awutey commended the GLOWDEP Foundation for its continuous partnership with the Health Directorate, particularly in empowering women through education and screening initiatives. She reiterated that October should serve as a turning point in the fight against breast cancer, declaring, “We are reversing the epidemic through awareness and action. Let us unite to save lives and protect the future of our women”.
The significance of this engagement lies not only in its immediate outcomes but also in its broader implications for public health in Ghana. Breast cancer, like many NCDs, requires a comprehensive and coordinated response that integrates prevention, early detection, treatment, and community support. The Central Tongu initiative demonstrates how local leadership, when combined with partnerships and grassroots mobilisation, can create momentum for change.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, the call from Adidome resonates beyond the Volta Region. It is a reminder that the fight against breast cancer is not the responsibility of health professionals alone but of entire communities. By fostering awareness, encouraging early screening, and building strong partnerships, Ghana can move closer to reducing the burden of breast cancer and safeguarding the health of its women.
Source: Ghana News Agency – Stakeholders urged to support fight against breast cancer
