The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was spearheaded by the Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), GAEC Hospital and the GAEC Ladies Association. It had technical support from University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Sponsors:
National Petroleum Authority (NPA); Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA); G4S Security; Radiation Protection Institute (RPI); Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI); School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS); Ga East Municipal Assembly; Special Ice Company Limited; Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPCL); Ghana Science Association (GSA).
Media Partners:
Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL); Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC); Citi FM & TV; Ghana News Agency (GNA); Class FM & CTV; Multimedia Group of Companies; Starr FM; Oman FM & NET 2 TV; TV3.
Objectives of the campaign were:
- Creating awareness and providing education about cancer in the community.
- Offering free breast cancer screening to women;
- Uniting communities in the fight against cancer.
- Providing hope, love and improved quality of life for identified breast cancer patients.
Scope:
The GAEC Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign comprised
- Free Breast Screening
- Cancer Awareness (Health) Walk
- Cancer Education
Impact achieved through GAEC Cancer Awareness Campaign:
- Coverage
The awareness campaign covered 4 healthcare centres (GAEC Hospital; Graphic Clinic; International Maritime Hospital; University of Ghana Medical Centre), 3 community markets (Kwabenya; Dome; Taifa) and 7 corporate organizations (GAEC; National Petroleum Authority; G4S Security; Graphic Communications Group Limited; Ghana Free Zones Authority; Ga East Municipal Assembly, First Insurance Company Limited), ensuring a broad reach.
- Free Screening
Through the campaign, 900 individuals received free breast cancer screening, contributing to early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
- Cancer Risk Data
Breast cancer risk data of 700 women and men have been collected and are being analyzed to provide further insights, inform follow-up actions and recommendations based on the screening results. Findings will also inform planning for future awareness programmes.
- Awareness (Health) Walk
A 12-km breast cancer awareness (health) walk through 3 communities (Kwabenya, Dome and Christian Village) in the Ga East Municipal District of Greater Accra was held. The Walk attracted 500+ enthusiastic participants. It united the communities in the fight against breast cancer.
- Cancer Education
A dozen of community, television and radio cancer educational talks were delivered through various channels. Talks were successfully delivered at 4 healthcare centres, 3 community markets, 7 corporate organizations, 2 religious and social gatherings, 4 online platforms, 5 media stations, reaching a diverse audience.
- Flyers and Pamphlets
Mainly during the walk, 3,000 pieces of breast cancer educational materials (flyers and pamphlets) were distributed to residents of the Kwabenya, Dome and Christian Village community to raise awareness of the disease.
- Social Media Reach
Breast cancer educational materials were distributed daily on 4 social media channels throughout the month of October, the campaign garnered a significant following on social media platforms, expanding the reach beyond physical locations.
Conclusion
The awareness campaign has successfully achieved its objectives, contributing to increased awareness, early detection, and community engagement. The exercise has provided valuable insights for future campaigns, ensuring a more impactful and sustained effort in the fight against cancer within the community.
Links to related publications:
MyJoyOnline: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-atomic-energy-commission-calls-for-action-in-battle-against-breast-cancer/
Ghana News Agency: https://gna.org.gh/2023/09/gaec-ramsri-launches-breast-cancer-awareness-campaign/
Graphic Communications: https://www.graphic.com.gh/lifestyle/life/gaec-launches-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html
GAEC Website: https://gaec.gov.gh/gaec-ramsri-launches-breast-cancer-awareness-campaign/
