October has been a month filled with numerous initiatives for breast cancer awareness and screening. In this spirit, the Nufu Foundation, in collaboration with Paemka Lab Genetics and Genomics Research and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), hosted the seventh edition of Nufufest on Wednesday, October 30, at the University of Ghana Banking Square. The theme for this year’s event was “Care beats scare: Early Detection Saves Lives.”
The atmosphere was vibrant with pink as enthusiastic participants took to the streets of the University of Ghana campus for a walk. Following this exercise, a free breast screening was conducted, where nutritionists, dietitians, and oncologists from the Ghana Police Service provided medical counseling, blood pressure checks, and height and weight assessments, culminating in the crucial breast screenings. Notably, men also participated in this initiative, recognizing that breast cancer can affect them as well.
The flagship breast cancer awareness campaign led by Dr. Lily Paemka, a Human Molecular Geneticist and Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, aims to empower African communities through comprehensive education, early detection, and advocacy to combat the disproportionately high mortality rates associated with the disease. Since its inception in 2018, the program has facilitated free screenings for over 2,500 individuals, significantly raising awareness about breast cancer risk factors, early detection methods, and the importance of regular screenings.
Dr. Paemka discussed the causes and risk factors of breast cancer, highlighting that stress is a significant contributor.
“Breast cancer is caused by mutations or errors in the genes that regulate cell division. The primary risk factor is being female, as only about 1% of cases occur in men. Other factors include aging, family history, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Importantly, stress has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, so it’s essential to take short, relaxing breaks during stressful times,”
She also urged the public to eliminate the stigma surrounding breast cancer, stating, “Stop the stigma; breast cancer is not contagious. It is genetic.”
Dr. Ruth Yirenkyi, an oncologist at the Salvation Army Medical Centre and one of the event organizers, also demonstrated simple techniques for self-examination of the breasts. She also mentioned a playful childhood game, “Alata Alata pui pui,” which involves making sounds by tapping the armpits, as a fun way to help detect lumps. Dr. Yirenkyi dispelled the myth that men suckling breasts could prevent breast cancer in women, emphasizing that this is a misconception. However, she noted that a husband’s touch can help detect changes more quickly.
Breast cancer survivors shared their personal journeys, reflecting on the emotional challenges they faced upon receiving their diagnoses.
“We all experienced the trauma of hearing the words ‘you have breast cancer.’ We encountered emotional instability, but we stand here with pride as survivors, grateful for our lives,” one survivor remarked.
Another cautioned against the misconception that chemotherapy is fatal, while also stressing the importance of support from family and friends during treatment.
“No one should face breast cancer alone. Many of us survived the emotional turmoil thanks to the love and support from our families, friends, and communities,” she said.
Despite the successes of Nufufest, Dr. Paemka highlighted a significant challenge: limited funding.
“Our primary obstacle is financial constraints, which restrict our ability to expand our outreach and awareness efforts across Ghana. We aspire to extend our reach beyond Accra, but we need support to do so,”
Nufufest was proudly sponsored by WACCBIP, Paemka Lab Genetics and Genomics Research, the Ghana Police Service, the Senior Staff Association, Sankofa Natural Spices, SkinGourmet, Fan Ice, The Little Cow (producers of Yumvita), Labianca, PayAngel, and Yemachi.
Story By: Fauzia Salim|univers.ug.edu.gh
