Statistics and data on breast cancer in the country, she said, “shows 11.25% which is about 135 people having breast cancer in the country. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to have this awareness campaign.”
Commander Holman made these remarks recently during the campaign and screening exercise organised for the people of Barra in the North Bank Region (NBR).
The Ghanaian contingent is part of the ECOWAS Forces that are stationed in the country following the political impasse in 2016.
Officials said breast cancer is an infectious tumour that starts from the cells of the breast and is treatable through surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and radiology.
This year’s Pink October, they went on, is aimed at amplifying global efforts in raising awareness on breast cancer.
The campaign, they continued, served as a reminder of the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and access to health care.
Despite being in peacekeeping mission in the country, Major Eunice said, “We also focus on humanitarian efforts such as providing donations and engaging in civil-military relations. This includes offering free medical care to citizens in their area of operations.”
In 2022, she said, “approximately 670,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. This indeed is a significant number,” she stated.
“Therefore, we felt it is our responsibility to help reduce the spread of the disease in the country. Again,
it is important to show support for those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about preventive measures and early detection,” she emphasised.
Breast cancer, she claimed, affects both women and men. However, she was quick to add that about 0.5-1% of the male population are at risk, saying: “Involving males in breast care campaigns is crucial. Events like Pink October spread messages of hope and strength to those affected by breast cancer.”
“Our activities and initiatives in the area extend beyond breast cancer awareness. For instance, in Barra, we provide free medical care and consultations to civilians who visit our camp. We also donate supplies during Tobaski celebrations and support schools with donations,” she postulated.
For her part, Lieutenant Mariama Gomez, marketing officer of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) underscored the significance of the breast awareness campaign.
Gambians, she said, hardly do screening and testing in order to know their health status, adding: “Many believe that it is only the security personnel that must do screening in order to know their health status,” she stated, while urging Gambians to be visiting clinics and hospitals in order to the test and screening.
Women, she continued, are mostly affected by cancer, saying: “Many women have died as a result of breast cancer, thus it’s important that women visit hospitals in order to know their status.”
Captain Crystal Konadu Odame, Admin and CEMEC Officer for ECOMIG Ghana Company 8 in Barra, spoke at length on the cordial working relationship that exists between them and the different security apparatus and by extension the civilian population in the area.
