GCTU, in partnership with Midway Hospital, has held the University’s annual breast cancer screening programme on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Tesano Campus in Accra.
The initiative aimed to educate both women and men on the importance of early detection and provide participants with practical knowledge of breast self-examination.
In his welcome address, the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, Dr. Emmanuel Agyapong, encouraged staff to prioritise regular medical check-ups, emphasising that the University’s Management valued their health and well-being.
He noted that the screening exercise formed part of the University’s efforts to promote the good health of staff and students, enabling them to perform their duties effectively and contribute to the achievement of the University’s mission and vision.
The President of the GCTU Ladies Association, Dr. Afia Nyarko Boakye, urged staff, particularly women, to undergo regular breast screening, stressing that early detection is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.
She described breast cancer as a serious health condition that has claimed many lives and encouraged women to prioritise their health, given the impact of the disease on women.
A medical practitioner, Dr. Beryl Kotey, highlighted the risk factors associated with breast cancer, noting that an estimated 2,369 deaths from the disease were recorded in 2022 in the country.
She explained that some risk factors were non-modifiable and included advancing age, genetic mutations, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and a personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions.
Dr. Kotey also demonstrated how to perform breast self-examinations and educated participants on some of the warning signs of breast cancer. These include breast lumps, an inverted nipple, dimpling, nipple discharge, redness or rashes and other changes in the skin around the breast.
She encouraged both women and men to adopt healthy habits, including monthly breast self-examinations, regular medical screening, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol consumption.
