The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana Ladies Club (CLOGSAGLAC) at its quarterly meeting held in Accra, has offered free breast screening for its members.

The screening was in accordance with the international health campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer. Also, to stress on the need for early detection and effective treatment to save lives.

The exercise was in partnership with the Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana (LAPAG) under the theme: “Empowering The Career Woman Through Health Education and Awareness Creation”.

In a presentation by a Senior Resident (Oncology) of Ghana College of Pharmacist, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Lady Pharmacist Bridget Kartey, participants were sensitized on the causes; signs and symptoms; risk factors; diagnosis; treatment; and prevention of the disease.

According to her, members must counter breast cancer myths such as: breast cancer is contagious; men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only; a mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it, among others.

She called on men do breast examination often and also encourage their wives to do same. She further stressed that members must ensure a healthy lifestyle. Adding that, lumps or breast changes must be reported to the nearest health facility. Also, in the absence of any lumps or changes in the breast, individuals must continue with breast examination and yearly mammogram.

Participants were also taken through First Aid in the Workplace by a Medical Director – Jubilee House Medical Centre, Dr. John Yaw Antwi.

Members were educated on specific first aid steps to administer during work place accidents such as: trips and falls; bleeding and minor wounds; sprains and strains; fractures; minor burns; epistaxis; seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; hypoglycemia; unconsciousness, heart attack; and choking.

Educating members on first aid in emergency situations at the work place, Dr. Antwi entreated members to adhere to three (3) steps: Check the scene for danger; Call for medical help, if needed; and Provide care.

Nonetheless, he said, it was important for a rescuer to remove himself or herself from danger if at any point in the situation the rescuer’s safety might be at risk.

Dr. Antwi emphasized that “Knowing what to do in an emergency is very important. Always remember that your timely intervention may save a life. Therefore, act swiftly but NOT IGNORANTLY !!!!”.

In a welcome address, the President of CLOGSAGLAC, Mrs. Patricia Dovi-Sampson, emphasized on the need to adhere proper handwashing practices in the post COVID-19 era.

She hinted that as an advocate for Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), members need to regularly clean receptacles for water storage and observe good health practices at all times.

The Director, Human Resource at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, who was the Chairperson at the event, Ms. Rhoda Gavor, with the aid of an illustrative image, disclosed the imbalance in the struggle between men and women to complete a race.

According to her, women need to stay strong in the midst of the challenges and obstacles they encounter at work and in their domestic lives. She added that to achieve career goals and contribute to national development, women must defy all odds and ensure they are healthy.