The Ghana Health Service, through its Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Control Programme, in collaboration with Jhpiego Ghana, has organised a free breast cancer screening exercise for staff of the Ghana Prisons Service at the Senior Correctional Centre as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The exercise aimed to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage early detection and provide staff with an opportunity to assess their health through screening and other basic clinical checks.
Participants received health education on the early warning signs of breast cancer, breast self examination and healthy lifestyle practices that can help reduce the risk of non communicable diseases. The session also emphasised the importance of recognising unusual changes in the breasts and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms are noticed.
Beyond breast cancer screening, the health team conducted clinical assessments, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements. These checks were intended to improve participants' awareness of their general health status and encourage regular monitoring of key health indicators.
The initiative forms part of efforts by the NCD Control Programme and its partners to extend health education and screening services to different groups and workplaces, ensuring that more people have access to information and opportunities to take preventive action.
The Ghana Health Service continues to encourage the public to pay attention to changes in their bodies, seek medical assessment when they notice unusual symptoms and take advantage of available screening services. Early detection and timely treatment are important in improving outcomes for people diagnosed with breast cancer.