Obuasi Municipal Assembly, UMA Screen 200 Women in Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

A total of 200 women in the Obuasi Municipality have undergone breast cancer screening using a mobile mammography machine in an initiative jointly organised by the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and the Underground Mining Alliance (UMA).

The exercise formed part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and was aimed at promoting early detection, raising public awareness of the disease and improving access to advanced screening services, particularly for women who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

Held under the theme, “Early Detection Saves Lives: Know Your Risk, Get Screened, Take Action,” the initiative sought to encourage women to prioritise their breast health and seek timely medical attention when they notice unusual changes.

A major feature of the exercise was a mobile breast cancer screening van operated by Soyuz Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Limited. The specialised vehicle is equipped with advanced 3D mammography technology, also known as tomosynthesis, which provides detailed breast imaging to support clinical assessment.

The collaboration between the Assembly and UMA was intended to bring advanced health screening technology closer to residents and reduce financial and geographical barriers to accessing such services.

Earlier in the day, a health awareness float was organised through some principal streets of Obuasi to educate the public on breast cancer and the importance of regular screening. Participants included staff of the Assembly, students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service.

Addressing participants at the screening exercise, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, urged residents to take their health seriously and make preventive healthcare a priority.

She particularly encouraged women to seek appropriate medical attention and avoid unorthodox practices that could endanger their health or delay access to proper diagnosis and treatment.

The MCE said regular screening and early medical intervention were important in reducing the risks associated with late detection of breast cancer.

The Project Manager of UMA, Mr Lawrence Turkson, said breast cancer was a real health threat but could be successfully treated, particularly when detected early.

He explained that UMA was supporting the initiative to make quality screening services accessible to more people in Obuasi, adding that the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to community health and well-being.

The organisers said the exercise formed part of broader efforts to strengthen public education on breast cancer, encourage early diagnosis and promote access to appropriate healthcare services in the municipality.

Ernest Kofi Offen, ISD