In a significant initiative aimed at combating cancer in Ghana, Unlimited Cancer Care International (UCCI) partnered with Sandema Hospital to conduct a comprehensive cancer screening campaign. This impactful event, which took place from October 29 to 31, 2024, in Sandema, Upper East Region, was part of the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Over the course of three days, dedicated midwives, nurses, and medical professionals from Sandema Hospital led the screening efforts, providing essential services to hundreds of women in the Builsa North Municipality. The campaign saw participation from students of Sandema Secondary School, highlighting the community’s collective effort in the fight against cancer.
A total of 158 women underwent breast screenings, while 131 were screened for cervical cancer. The results revealed ten positive cervical cancer cases, along with one woman detected with lumps and another with abnormal breast conditions. The organizers hailed the exercise as a resounding success, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
Agivert Jackson, President and Founder of UCCI, praised Sandema Hospital for their commitment to cancer awareness and screening. “This is one more bold step towards the collective fight against cancers,” she stated. Jackson emphasized that fighting cancer is a shared responsibility and highlighted the need for continuous efforts in education and screening.
She further urged the community to prioritize self-checks and seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms, noting, “When it comes to dealing with the scare of cancers, we are ready to pull the strings and go the extra mile to make a mark.”
The screening initiative is part of UCCI’s broader Ghana Cancer Awareness Project, which has included various activities across the country to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. Earlier this year, the project involved collaborations with several hospitals, including the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, alongside donations of educational materials to schools and support for female inmates at Kumasi Central Prisons.
This partnership between UCCI and Sandema Hospital not only underscores the urgent need for cancer screening and awareness but also reflects the power of community collaboration in addressing health challenges. With early detection being a critical factor in cancer survival, initiatives like this serve as vital lifelines for countless women and families in the region.
