Sanctuary of Grace Bible Church organises breast cancer screening for members

November 12, 2026

2 minutes read

Members of the church undergoing breast examination education. Photo Ebo Gorman

THE Sanctuary of Grace Bible Church has organised a breast cancer awareness, education and screening exercise for its members as part of efforts to promote early detection and improve access to healthcare.

The exercise, held during the church’s Sunday service, provided participants with information on breast cancer, its signs and symptoms, prevention and the importance of seeking early medical attention.

A Midwifery Officer at the Adabraka Polyclinic, Mrs Martha Efua Ali, who addressed the participants, urged Ghanaians to prioritise their health by embracing regular breast cancer screening to reduce deaths associated with the disease.

She expressed concern that despite annual Pink Month celebrations and public education campaigns, misconceptions, stigma, fear and limited access to healthcare continued to prevent many people from seeking timely medical attention.

Mrs Ali said some people still attributed breast cancer to curses and spiritual attacks, a misconception she noted could discourage patients from accepting their condition and seeking professional treatment.

She identified financial difficulties, fear of stigmatisation and geographical barriers as some of the challenges contributing to late presentation at health facilities.

She therefore encouraged people who suspected they had breast cancer to visit the nearest primary healthcare facility for initial assessment and referral to specialised centres where necessary.

According to her, early detection significantly increased the chances of successful treatment, adding that many people diagnosed with the disease had undergone treatment and recovered.

Giving an update on the screening exercise, Mrs Ali disclosed that one participant had been identified as a suspected case and given a prescription for further scanning to establish the condition.

She urged the public to take advantage of free screening opportunities and follow medical advice whenever further investigations were recommended.

Mrs Ali also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of products advertised on social media without adequate knowledge of their safety and possible health implications.

She advised Ghanaians to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, drinking adequate water, reducing junk food consumption and eating nutritious locally prepared meals.

The Head Pastor of the church, Pastor Eric King Botchway, expressed appreciation to the medical team for the initiative, saying health education was essential in helping members understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

He encouraged churches to collaborate with health professionals and organise regular screening programmes to promote healthier congregations and communities.

For her part, the Head of Gender and Child Protection of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Mrs Harriet Botchway, stressed the importance of early detection and urged women, particularly church members, to make regular screening a priority.

She said the annual breast cancer awareness campaign in October provided an opportunity to educate the public and encourage women to take preventive action.

Mrs Botchway noted that this year’s campaign theme, “Early Action, Better Outcome,” reinforced the need for increased awareness and regular screening.

BY EBO GORMAN

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