Koforidua Local Prison Launches Historic Pinktober Breast Cancer Campaign

The Koforidua Local Prison Health Center officially launched its 2026 Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign at the Prison Canteen under the global theme, "Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters." Described as a historic milestone by the Officer-in-Charge of the Health Centre, Supt. Godfrey Magnusen, the initiative aims to educate prison officers, staff, and the local community on the crucial importance of early detection and proactive healthcare.

​Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Forster Amponsah-Manu, Clinical Director of the Eastern Regional Hospital, shared sobering statistics on the global and national burden of the disease. He revealed that in 2024 alone, 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, resulting in 694,000 deaths. In Ghana, breast cancer stands as the leading malignancy, with 5,487 new cases recorded annually and between 2,000 and 2,500 lives lost each year. Dr. Amponsah-Manu expressed deep concern over late-stage diagnoses in the country, noting that over 60% of cases are identified at Stage 3 and more than 80% at Stage 4, while mammogram screening uptake remains dangerously below 5%.

​To dispel persistent myths surrounding the disease, Dr. Amponsah-Manu clarified that breast cancer is not caused by wrongdoing, stress, or physical injury, nor is it contagious. He emphasized that the disease affects both genders, pointing out that men account for approximately 2% of breast cancer cases managed at the Eastern Regional Hospital. Officers were educated on critical early warning signs to look out for, including painless lumps, nipple changes or discharge, skin dimpling, and crusting.

​The session included practical demonstrations on how to perform regular Breast Self-Examinations (BSE) to encourage ongoing monitoring and early intervention. Supt. Godfrey Magnusen urged all attendees to heed the life-saving information shared during the event. The impactful launch concluded with a free, comprehensive breast screening exercise conducted for participants at the Health Centre.

@Volta Today