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Cancer has become a center stage of discussion on the month of October due to the awareness creation of breast cancer for the month.
District GNAT-LAS Coordinator for Awutu, Effutu, Senya district, Madam Alexia Dampson has revealed that over 3000 teachers and their dependants are suffering from various cancers.
Discussing on a topic, "From Awareness to Action: Protecting Female Teachers From Breast Cancer" on ITV morning show dubbed Ghana daakye . Madam Alexia said that out of “ 1 in 8 women are prone to get breast cancer so it is not far from any woman.
The GNAT secretary for Awutu Affutu Senya district, Madam Victoria Essinam Hommey, revealed that Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has established cancer foundation which takes care of the the GNAT members for free to reduce cancer treatment burden from the members.
"It's just a matter of Ghc 5 monthly donation to the cancer fund by every GNAT member, the foundation will take care of you, your spouse and two of your children if there is cancer related issues" Madam Essinam added.
Counsellor Justina Arkorful from The Precious Wellness Center who was part of the discussion took the opportunity to educate the public on how early detection is very important and effective.
She said, cancer can be described in medical terms as Cells multiplying and growing abnormally and it can take up to ten years before symptoms can be shown in the body.
Counsellor Justina added that the causes of breast cancer could be genetics, environment, and also lifestyle.
The effect of a Lifestyle such as sitting or being inactive at just one place for a longer period scrolling on the internet or watching television shows is equal as smoking
In a day, individual is advised to take at least a thousand steps because being active helps reduce the risk of getting breast cancer
"Cancer is one of the top three killers in the world. Stress is also something to look out for thus ( over thinking, anxiety, pressures of life)"she added
Other contributing factors include being a woman, obesity, wearing of tight bras and many more.
In her conclusion counselor Justina said eating healthy foods like fruit and Vegetables, having enough rest, living a good and healthy lifestyle( regular checkups) helps reduce the risk of getting breast cancer
Story by Boadu Nelly Aboagyewa
Edited by Sobibor Ofori Amanfo Sobibor