6.7m PEOPLE DIE OF CANCER EVERY YEAR …Constitutes 12.6% of all deaths
From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi
ABOUT 6.7 million people are said to die annually worldwide from cancer, against the detection of 10.9 million new cases every year.
Cancer deaths also constitute about 12.5% of all deaths above deaths related to Tuberculosis, Malaria, HIV/AIDS put together.
Mrs. Mary Agyapong, Founder and Executive Director of Kumasi-based Cancer Health Foundation (CHF) disclosed during a breast screening exercise in Kumasi, said the disease is a public health problem worldwide and that it affects all manner of people of all ages.
Mrs. Agyapong said research has not been able to establish the causes of the disease, but indicated that inheritance from first degree relative, irregular menstruation, fat foods, alcohol, smoking and obesity, among others, are contributing factors for which reason, her outfit has since 2005 embarked on the promotion of cancer health through education on preventive screening for early detection, counseling and supportive care for women and family members affected with breast and cervical cancers.
According to Mrs. Agyapong, who is a retired cancer specialist of 40 years experience, Cancer Health Foundation in collaboration with other organizations, also trains volunteers, to screen breast and cervical cancer patients in a bid to fight against the disease.
CHF, she further disclosed, also offers a wide range of services to schools, institutions, co-operate bodies, religious and other identifiable bodies.
The anti-cancer advocate who has undergone extensive courses of study in Canada, South Africa and other European countries, indicated that early detection of any particular disease and breast cancer in particular can be controlled.
Mrs. Agyapong, therefore, called on Ghanaians to seek early and regular medical check-ups appropriately instead of resorting to self-medication to enhance their lifespan.
Pix: Mrs. Mary Agyapong, Executive Director – CHF
Short URL: http://thechronicle.com.gh/?p=47040