The Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), in collaboration with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA), has provided free breast cancer screening for 200 women as part of a three-day health outreach programme at the Obuasi Central Market.
Held under the theme “Early Detection,” the initiative brought mobile mammography services closer to market women and the general public, marking a significant step towards improving access to breast cancer screening in the Obuasi Municipality.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, UMA Project Manager, Mr. Lawrence Turkson, encouraged women, particularly market traders, to take advantage of available screening opportunities, emphasising that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Madam Faustilove Appiah Kannin, who attended the event alongside the Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Joyce Akosua Amorteh, commended UMA for supporting efforts to improve women’s healthcare in the municipality.
She urged women to prioritise their health through regular breast self-examinations and seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes.
The Project Coordinator, Madam Yvonne Adomako Asabere, expressed appreciation to the women for their encouraging turnout and willingness to participate in the exercise, describing their response as a positive demonstration of growing awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare.
Dr. Victor Dedjoe, Radiologist and Chief Executive Officer of Soyuz Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Ltd., which provided the mobile mammography unit, explained that mammography helps detect breast abnormalities that may not be easily identified through physical examination. He encouraged women aged 40 and above to undergo regular mammogram screening as part of their healthcare routine.
At the end of the three-day exercise, a total of 200 women had benefited from the free screening.
The initiative underscores the importance of partnerships between the private sector and local authorities in expanding access to essential healthcare services and promoting healthier communities.