The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) Women’s Committee has organized a major breast cancer awareness and screening exercise at the Nkwanta Market Square in the Oti Region.
The event, held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was spearheaded by HSWU Women’s Committee Chairperson Mabel Duvor and aimed to equip women—particularly market women—with critical knowledge and access to early detection services.
Speaking to attendees, Chairperson Duvor stressed the importance of early diagnosis.
“Early detection is your superpower,” she said. “There is no courage in ignoring it, and no shame in checking. It’s not a sign of fear; it’s an act of strength.”
A total of 170 market women received free breast cancer screenin and were taken through sessions on prevention, self-examination techniques, and the need for regular clinical check-ups. Health professionals present underscored that breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early, with survival rates surpassing 90%.
The event drew support from key local stakeholders, including the District Director of Health Services for Nkwanta South, a Public Health Nurse from St. Joseph Hospital, and representatives from the District Health Directorate, District Hospital, and over 40 HSWU members.
A representative from the District Health Directorate commended the initiative, saying:
“This collaboration reflects the urgent need to decentralize health education and services. Reaching women in the marketplace, where they spend most of their day, is a strategic move.”
The event also served as a platform for stakeholders to pledge continued support for women’s health initiatives in the region. Many expressed their commitment to sustaining awareness campaigns and increasing access to clinical screenings in underserved areas.
HSWU Expands Outreach to Worawora and Jasikan
Chairperson Duvor also revealed that the Women’s Committee will extend its outreach to other parts of the region.
“We are not stopping here. Our next stop is Worawora Secondary School, where we’ll engage female students and staff in a similar awareness and screening session,” she announced. “We will also visit schools in Jasikan to screen female teachers. Education and early detection must go hand in hand.”
The initiative forms part of HSWU’s broader strategy to reduce late-stage breast cancer diagnoses through proactive engagement with women across all ages and professions.
As October continues, the HSWU Women’s Committee is expected to intensify its public education efforts in both rural and urban communities.