Pentecost University
  • Apply Online
  • About
    • Student Life
      • International
        • Students Experience, Diversity and International Relations (SEDIR) Office
        • Application Process
        • Entry Requirements
        • Tuition Fees
        • Immigration Issues & Permits
        • Student Life
        • Partnerships
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contact Us
      • Dean of Students
      • The Students’ Representative Council (SRC)
      • Chaplaincy
      • Counselling Unit
      • University Assembly
      • Mentorship
      • Clubs and Societies
      • Sports and Entertainment
      • Lodging
      • Photo Gallery
    • Contact
      • Directions to Campus
      • Schedule a Visit
      • Staff Directory
      • Helplines
      • Contact Us
    • Stakeholders
      • The Church of Pentecost
      • The Church of Pentecost Chairman Education Foundation (COPCEF)
      • Alumni
      • Parents and Guardians
      • Donors
      • Employers
      • Hiring Our Facilities
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Office of the Vice-Chancellor
    • Administration
    • Business Development & Corporate Affairs Unit
      • Advancement Unit
      • Public Relations Unit
    • Pentecost University Council
    • Collaborations
    • Vacancies
    • Statutes
    • University Logo and Anthem
  • Admissions
    • Entry Requirements
    • Application Procedure
    • Application Forms
    • Tuition Fees and Student Online Payment
    • Scholarship
    • Mature Applicants
  • Study
    • Research
      • PentVars Business Journal
      • Students’ Research & Project Work
      • Staff Research & Publications
    • Our Library
      • Welcome to our Library
      • About Library
      • Library Catalogue
      • Library Help
      • E-Resources
      • Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
    • Undergraduate Programmes
    • Faculties/Schools
      • International Digital Centre
      • Faculty of Law (LL.B)
      • School of Theology, Mission & Leadership (STML)
      • Faculty of Engineering Science and Computing (FESAC)
      • Faculty of Business Administration (FBA)
      • Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences (FHAS)
    • College of Foundation and Professional Studies (COFOPS)
    • Academic Calendar
    • Sessions/Schools
  • Post-Graduate Studies & Research
    • Message from the Director
    • Admission Requirements
    • Post-Graduate Studies & Research Programmes
    • Tuition Fees
    • Sessions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • News
  • Donate
  • Apply Online
  • About
    • Student Life
      • International
        • Students Experience, Diversity and International Relations (SEDIR) Office
        • Application Process
        • Entry Requirements
        • Tuition Fees
        • Immigration Issues & Permits
        • Student Life
        • Partnerships
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contact Us
      • Dean of Students
      • The Students’ Representative Council (SRC)
      • Chaplaincy
      • Counselling Unit
      • University Assembly
      • Mentorship
      • Clubs and Societies
      • Sports and Entertainment
      • Lodging
      • Photo Gallery
    • Contact
      • Directions to Campus
      • Schedule a Visit
      • Staff Directory
      • Helplines
      • Contact Us
    • Stakeholders
      • The Church of Pentecost
      • The Church of Pentecost Chairman Education Foundation (COPCEF)
      • Alumni
      • Parents and Guardians
      • Donors
      • Employers
      • Hiring Our Facilities
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Office of the Vice-Chancellor
    • Administration
    • Business Development & Corporate Affairs Unit
      • Advancement Unit
      • Public Relations Unit
    • Pentecost University Council
    • Collaborations
    • Vacancies
    • Statutes
    • University Logo and Anthem
  • Admissions
    • Entry Requirements
    • Application Procedure
    • Application Forms
    • Tuition Fees and Student Online Payment
    • Scholarship
    • Mature Applicants
  • Study
    • Research
      • PentVars Business Journal
      • Students’ Research & Project Work
      • Staff Research & Publications
    • Our Library
      • Welcome to our Library
      • About Library
      • Library Catalogue
      • Library Help
      • E-Resources
      • Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
    • Undergraduate Programmes
    • Faculties/Schools
      • International Digital Centre
      • Faculty of Law (LL.B)
      • School of Theology, Mission & Leadership (STML)
      • Faculty of Engineering Science and Computing (FESAC)
      • Faculty of Business Administration (FBA)
      • Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences (FHAS)
    • College of Foundation and Professional Studies (COFOPS)
    • Academic Calendar
    • Sessions/Schools
  • Post-Graduate Studies & Research
    • Message from the Director
    • Admission Requirements
    • Post-Graduate Studies & Research Programmes
    • Tuition Fees
    • Sessions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • News
  • Donate

Health Education

  • Home
  • News
  • Health Education
  • Breast Health Among Women At Eikwe, Western Region Ghana – Mr. Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr, Ms. Gertrude Archer and Dr. Abigail Kyei

Breast Health Among Women At Eikwe, Western Region Ghana – Mr. Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr, Ms. Gertrude Archer and Dr. Abigail Kyei

  • Posted by pentvars
  • Categories Health Education, News
  • Date Oct 12, 2021
  • Comments 113 comments

 Mr. Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr, Ms. Gertrude Archer and Dr. Abigail Kyei

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Pentecost University.

Download PDF: Breast Health among women at Eikwe – Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2021-1

Introduction

Every October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) to celebrate advances in new research into the detection and diagnosis, prevention, and treatment breakthroughs of breast cancer which could one day lead to a cure for the disease, to highlight the challenges that breast cancer poses and generally to raise awareness about the disease. The Breast Cancer Awareness Month for this year began on Friday, October 1, 2021 and ends on Sunday, October 31, 2021.

 

Cancer and Breast Cancer

Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterized by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer starts when the cells of the breast begin to grow out of control. These cancer cells can then invade surrounding body tissues and spread to other parts of the body (NBCF, 2021). According to the World health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide (WHO, 2020).

Every 74 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer. Studies have shown that breast cancer is more frequent in the left breast than in the right breast of women. When breast cancer is detected early, the survival rate is 99%. Globally, breast cancer occurs in less than 1% of men (CDC, 2021). The prevalence of breast cancer in Ghana up to the year 2020 stood at 18.7% (Globocan, 2020).

 

Risk factors of Breast Cancer

Studies shows that the cause of breast cancer is unknown but there are diverse risks factors that can result in breast cancer. These risks are modifiable (can be prevented) and non-modifiable (cannot be prevented).

Non-modifiable risk factors include;

  1. Being a woman
  2. Older age (> 50 years)
  3. Genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes)
  4. Reproductive history
  5. Family history of breast cancer
  6. Previous treatment using radiation therapy

 

Modifiable risk factors include;

  1. Physical inactivity
  2. Overweight or obesity after menopause
  3. Intake of hormones
  4. Use of certain oral contraceptives
  5. Intake of alcohol
  6. Smoking

 

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is appearance of a lump (an abnormal thickened enlargement) that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. Other signs include;

  1. Thickening of breast tissue
  2. One breast becoming larger or lower
  3. A nipple changing position or shape or becoming inverted
  4. A rash on or around a nipple
  5. Discharge from nipple(s)
  6. Constant pain in part of the breast or armpit
  7. Peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple
  8. Swelling beneath the armpit or around the collarbone (NBCF, 2021).

 

Research

In a recent study (September, 2021) by some faculty members and a student of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery (DoNM), Pentecost University (PU) on Breast health practices among women in Eikwe in the Western region of Ghana, results from the study reveal worrisome gaps in the attainment of breast health in Ghana.

Eikwe is a small fishing town in the south east of the Ellembelle district of Nzema in the Western region of Ghana. The town is situated in Axim. It is located after Sanzule-Krisan and is a branch road off the Esiama-Elubo road. It shares boundaries with Krisan and Sanzule to the West and Ngalekpole to the East. It geographical coordinates are 458’00” North, 228’47” West and altitude 15m. (https://www.maplandia.com/ghana/western/axim/eikwe; personal communication).

The study sought to determine the knowledge of breast diseases and the risk factors of developing these breast diseases, to determine the knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) and to determine the extent of breast screening practices [BSE, clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography] among a sample of 100 women in Eikwe.

Findings showed that all the women (100%) knew that the breast could be exposed to diseases and more than three-quarters (>75%) were able to mention some breast diseases including fibroadenoma, duct ectasia, breast abscess/infections, mastitis and breast cancer. However, about half of the women (47%) did not know the causes or the risk factors to the diseases they mentioned. Also, about (91%) had heard about BSE but more than (>80%) did not know how to perform BSE. Moreover, regarding the extent of breast screening practices, all the women (100%) had not heard about CBE and (93%) had not done mammography before. Generally, more than half (>50%) of the women were not interested in breast screening practices. The reasons they gave included;

  1. Lack of know-how in doing BSE
  2. No symptoms of breast diseases
  3. Belief that they can never get breast diseases
  4. Fear of discovery of the presence of breast diseases
  5. No time to do breast screening practices since they had to attend to their livelihoods

It is recommended that intensive education on the importance of breast health should be given to women in the rural communities in Ghana.

 

Prevention

The corner stone to prevention of Breast Cancer is early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) (see Figure 1), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. These practices offer women the best opportunity for reducing breast cancer deaths globally.

We send this clarion call to every woman;

  1. Be informed
  2. Practice regular breast self-examinations
  3. Get screened at any nearby health facility.

 

To our men;

  1. Help save the boobs
  2. Become breastie bestie.

 

Figure 1: Breast self-examination

Source: www.hcmarbella.com

 

References

American Cancer Society Breast Health Guidelines [ACS] (2021). Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/basic-facts-about-breast-health-american-cancer-society-guidelines (Accessed October 9, 2021).

Eikwe Map Retrieved from https://www.maplandia.com/ghana/western/axim/eikwe. (Accessed October 7, 2021).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2021). Breast Cancer Awareness. Retrievedhttps://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm. (Accessed October 9, 2021).

Globocan (2020). Ghana Cancer Statistics. International Agency for Research on Cancer.

National Breast Cancer Foundation [NBCF] (2021). Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month. (Accessed October 9, 2021).

World Health Organization [WHO], (2020). Breast Cancer. Geneva. Author.

 

  • Share:
pentvars

Previous post

Ministry Gives Life Not Death; Vice Chancellor to STML Students
Oct 12, 2021

Next post

Pentecost University Hosts Leadership of The Ghana Registered Midwives Association
Oct 14, 2021

You may also like

  • puhealth
    Pentecost University Health Awareness Week, 2023 – Health Talk Series – Mental Hygiene for a Sound University A+ Staff
    14 March, 2023
  • 4108_Nzulezu
    VC IMPRESSED BY THE SCIENTIFIC INGENUITY BEHIND NZULEZU; PROMISES INTENSIVE RESEARCH BY PU ENGINEERING STUDENTS
    14 March, 2023
  • Leadership_-109
    Pentecost University Launches Programme in Chieftaincy and Traditional Leadership
    20 February, 2023

    113 Comments

  1. Selina
    Oct 12, 2021

    Good job done

  2. Anonymous
    Oct 12, 2021

    A lot of women need to see this. Great work!!!

  3. Bosheba David
    Oct 12, 2021

    Great job.

  4. Gertrude
    Oct 12, 2021

    It is a must that every woman globally know about her breast health. Good Job 👍

  5. Juvena Abena
    Oct 12, 2021

    Continue the good work. Thanks for that

  6. Jacqueline Assibuabah Assibu
    Oct 12, 2021

    Great piece and informative 🤜🏽

  7. Anonymous
    Oct 12, 2021

    Great

  8. Anonymous
    Oct 12, 2021

    Awww, good work done .

  9. Anonymous
    Oct 12, 2021

    Great job….

  10. Nana Efua
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very good and educative work done. Keep it up

  11. Adani Athlee
    Oct 13, 2021

    Worth the read. Informative. 👍🏾

  12. Johan
    Oct 13, 2021

    Awwww, very Educative

  13. Phillips-Ayikpa
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good work done. This article has been very educative.

  14. Dima
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great work…enjoyed reading it, learnt new things also

  15. Dima
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great work done …learnt new things

  16. Rita
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great work done👍🏼

  17. Priscilla Agyapomah Opoku
    Oct 13, 2021

    Become breastie bestie
    Awesome work

  18. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is a beautiful work, very educative

  19. Sitsofe Fumey
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is worth sharing, very educative. I enjoyed reading it.

  20. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative

  21. Dominic Sefah Donkor
    Oct 13, 2021

    Worth reading article.
    Thank you

  22. Albert Peprah
    Oct 13, 2021

    What you need to know about breast cancer
    Concise but entails a lot
    Thank you bosses!!!

  23. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    The article is precise but has much Education embedded in it.
    It is very necessary that intensive education on the importance of breast health be given to women in the rural communities of this nation, Ghana.
    Good work done

  24. JEPHTHAH GYETUAH
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great work
    Thank you so much

  25. Appiah Richard
    Oct 13, 2021

    Most people has little knowledge abt BSE and CBE… there is the need for massive sensitization in both rural and urban communities

  26. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative 👏nice work 👌

  27. Pauline
    Oct 13, 2021

    Decent Composition👌🏽
    Thanks for the great work done
    Much appreciated.

  28. Joseph Mbabila
    Oct 13, 2021

    The article is straight forward and easy to read. The timing is also perfect, let’s keep sharing.

  29. Gene
    Oct 13, 2021

    Worth the read. Keep it up

  30. Mina
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative sir.i think more education should be carried out especially in the rural areas. Most most people in the rural areas believe that breast cancer is spiritual. Good work done

  31. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good article

  32. Chiamaka Chukwuemeka
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative,and worth sharing.
    Thank you sir

  33. Michael Azubila Ayambire
    Oct 13, 2021

    I have really learned a lot.
    Hoping to see more of such educative research work.

  34. Martha Akua Korley
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great piece, precise and straight to the point. Well done!

  35. Cecilia Adade Mensah
    Oct 13, 2021

    Our men help to save the boobs. Interesting . Thanks a lot seniors for the education.

  36. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Infact it’s a good and wonderful work done I have to educate my community on that

  37. Bella Sey
    Oct 13, 2021

    Well informative, Let’s keep sharing.

  38. Priscilla Lawson
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is a great piece of work. Very educative 😊👏👍

  39. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good work, as always.👏

  40. Angela Wiredu
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is a very good piece 👏👌well ✔

  41. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Well done

  42. Princess
    Oct 13, 2021

    Nice one

  43. Doreen Sarpong
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very informative….Great job

  44. Atido Pius Mensah
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative. Thanks

  45. Juliet Darko
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative .keep it up.

  46. ELORM
    Oct 13, 2021

    Educative and interesting..keep up the work guys👍👍

  47. LHORMY 🖤
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is great

  48. Abigail McKeown
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative
    Well done 👍

  49. Abigail McKeown
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative
    Well done 👍

  50. Adams daniel
    Oct 13, 2021

    This very insightful….worth reading

  51. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great job

  52. Abigail McKeown
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative

  53. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good work done girl ✌️😎

  54. Ayi Matilda Dede
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good job sir!!!

  55. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative. Thanks

  56. Comfort Amoah
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good work done.

  57. Mary Tawiah Lamptey
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good one there.
    Very educative especially in this month of breast cancer awareness

  58. Mavis Pewudie
    Oct 13, 2021

    Amazing piece. This is a must read work
    Well done Bosses
    God bless u

  59. Mavis Pewudie
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great piece. This is a must read work
    Well done Bosses
    God bless u

  60. JB DANQUAH
    Oct 13, 2021

    Great insightful article🔥

  61. Christabel Ashiangmor
    Oct 13, 2021

    Good work done

  62. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Absolutely brilliant one there. 👍👍

  63. Linda
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative
    Good work done

  64. Vera
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative .
    🙏

  65. Josephine Ama Gyimah
    Oct 13, 2021

    This is insightful. Thanks.

  66. Esther A
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative good job

  67. Esther A
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative good job

  68. Benjamin Asaana
    Oct 13, 2021

    Very educative and timely article.
    Great work Sir.

  69. Anonymous
    Oct 13, 2021

    Nice

  70. Joseph Gamba
    Oct 13, 2021

    Wow,..Great work.
    More emphasis should be placed on the education of the general public on breast cancer and the importance of screening.

  71. Emmanuel Boadu Brafi
    Oct 14, 2021

    Very educative
    and a must read for our Ladies. Thanks for the good work

  72. Anonymous
    Oct 14, 2021

    Great job done 👍

  73. Fedieley Joshua
    Oct 14, 2021

    Good work done.

  74. Derrick Donkor
    Oct 14, 2021

    Good work done. We need to join hands together and educate the public on awareness of breast cancer

  75. Claribell Ewura Kinful
    Oct 14, 2021

    Very insightful

  76. Claribell Ewura Kinful
    Oct 14, 2021

    Very insightful, really good for every woman to know her status when it comes to breast cancer. Great job. Keep up the good work.

  77. Munachi Ngwu
    Oct 14, 2021

    Regular screening, apt! Very Informative piece. Thanks a lot.

  78. Ernestina Tetteh
    Oct 14, 2021

    Great job done
    Very Educative

  79. Nathan
    Oct 14, 2021

    Your article is timely, educative and insightful.
    Goodworks.

  80. Hadjira Amadu
    Oct 14, 2021

    Very informative

  81. Anonymous
    Oct 14, 2021

    Good work done
    Thanks for the awareness.

  82. Beatrice Asiedua
    Oct 14, 2021

    Thanks, perfect work done

  83. Beatrice Asiedua
    Oct 14, 2021

    Wow, it’s important the men become breastie besties.

  84. Alfred Amoah
    Oct 14, 2021

    Very insightful.

  85. Adepa
    Oct 14, 2021

    3y3

  86. Ebenezer Hammond
    Oct 14, 2021

    Good work done ✅

  87. Light
    Oct 14, 2021

    👏👏👏👏

  88. Emmanuel Kyere Addai
    Oct 15, 2021

    Very educative. The DHD has to more to do in terms of education in this community.

  89. Victor Ackerson
    Oct 15, 2021

    Amazing research
    Pls ask the department to publish my research work on prostate cancer . Pls contact mr Reginald Arthur Mensah , he was my supervisor. Thank You

  90. Adwoa
    Oct 15, 2021

    Very educative.

  91. Sarah
    Oct 15, 2021

    Good work done. Very educative. God bless you

  92. Anonymous
    Oct 16, 2021

    Good job

  93. Juliet Darko
    Oct 17, 2021

    Good work done , keep it up.
    May God grant you more knowledge to bring out more……

  94. Marilyn Meeley Mensah
    Oct 18, 2021

    I have really learnt something new in addition to the knowledge I have about breast cancer . Good job done

  95. Frimpong Derrick
    Oct 19, 2021

    Very insightful . Continue enlighten us on the field of health and life🙏

  96. Dede
    Oct 19, 2021

    Good job, most men are breast bestie ooooo, lol
    I think a lump in the breast could be a risk factor, more light could be thrown on time to examine the breast especially before ovulation and after menstruation due to the changes in the breast around that period.
    Thanks for enlightenment and a work well done.

  97. Mawusi Francis Elikem Kosi
    Oct 21, 2021

    Great work done 👍.✨💫✨

  98. Constance Barketey
    Oct 27, 2021

    Interesting piece, Thank you

  99. Jenny
    Oct 29, 2021

    Nice one there, God job

  100. Jenny
    Oct 29, 2021

    Nice one there, very insightful and worth reading.

  101. Zoolioria
    Oct 29, 2021

    Viagra

  102. Anonymous
    Oct 31, 2021

    Insightful, more grace to do more .
    Kudos to you 👍🏼

  103. Perpetual
    Nov 3, 2021

    Intriguing good job done 🤏

  104. Barbara
    Nov 4, 2021

    Very educative
    Good work done

  105. Florence Opoku
    Nov 4, 2021

    Very educative, good work done ✔

  106. Christiana Lanquaye
    Nov 4, 2021

    There should be more education on the examination of the breast and how they should to do it.

  107. Rebecca Asiamah
    Nov 6, 2021

    Very educative

  108. Rebecca Asiamah
    Nov 6, 2021

    Very educative and well done

  109. Penelope Ekua Awuah
    Nov 11, 2021

    very educative, worth reading

  110. Ahenkan
    Nov 30, 2021

    Nice work 🤝

  111. Edith Armah
    Dec 2, 2021

    Thank you for the insight, and adding of new trends very educative

  112. cob
    Dec 14, 2021

    Michael Isabel, 4467 Tenmile Road, Cambridge . Roy Thompson, 1792 Moore Avenue, Fort Worth https://addons.wpforo.com/community/profile/bertieigs529185/ Anna Curtis, 119 Coffman Alley, Madisonville . Norris Gray, 2429 Red Dog Road, Charlotte

  113. Patrickchast
    Dec 17, 2021

    pelisplus I like your blog. It is really very helpful.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Quick Links

  • E-Learning
  • IT Certifications
  • Email
  • E-Library
  • E-Portal
  • Resources
  • Photo Gallery
  • Staff Directory

Latest News

Pentecost University Health Awareness Week, 2023 – Health Talk Series – Mental Hygiene for a Sound University A+ Staff
14Mar2023
VC IMPRESSED BY THE SCIENTIFIC INGENUITY BEHIND NZULEZU; PROMISES INTENSIVE RESEARCH BY PU ENGINEERING STUDENTS
14Mar2023

Admissions

  • Application Procedure
  • Academic Calendar
  • Tuition Fees and Student Online Payment
  • Application Forms
  • Entry Requirements
  • Student Online Payment

Online Services

  • Parents Portal
  • E-Learning
  • E-Library
  • Undergradraduate ePortal
  • Postgraduate ePortal
  • Pentvars E-Mail
  • Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Quick Links

  • Alumni
  • Our Library
  • Photo Gallery
  • The Church of Pentecost
  • Pentvars Journal
  • FAQs
  • Staff Directory

Contact

P. O. Box KN 1739
Kaneshie, Accra
info@pentvars.edu.gh
+233283094284/+233302417057/8
Pentecost University College campus location

© 2021 Pentecost University. All Rights Reserved Developed By: Samuel Armah (Alumni - 2011) & Emmanuel Assimeku (Alumni - 2012)

Sponsored By: Engisys Limited