Women have been advised to avoid the regular use of emergency contraceptive pills to prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex. Health experts caution that misuse of these pills could increase the risk of certain cancers. Specifically, taking contraceptive pills more than twice a year may elevate the likelihood of developing cancer.
During the “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” activities in October, the Health Services Workers’ Union of TUC Ghana organized separate sensitization events and free breast screening programs. These events were held at the Techiman Central Market and the Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Bono East Region. The theme for this year’s campaign was “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” and the warnings about breast cancer were prominently highlighted during these programs.
Physician Assistant Kenneth Forson from the Krachie Municipal Hospital expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of emergency contraceptive use among today’s youth, emphasizing the need for it to be curtailed.
He noted that, research indicates prolonged use of contraceptives, especially beyond two years, may elevate the risk of various cancers, including breast, cervical, and liver cancer. Although the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, Mr. Forson pointed out that several factors can heighten the risk of developing the disease, including inherited genetic changes, particularly in women over 35 years old, and exposure of the breasts to heat.
Mrs. Veronica Boatemaa, Chairperson of the Women’s Committee for the Health Services Workers’ Union of TUC Ghana in the Bono/Ahafo Regions, underscored the importance of early detection in preventing breast cancer.
She encouraged Ghanaian women to regularly visit healthcare facilities for breast screenings using mammogram machines or to perform self-examinations. “Regular check-ups and informed choices can mitigate risks. Prioritize your reproductive health.” She said.
Finally, some students of Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College and market women who benefited from the education and free breast screening exercise expressed their appreciation to the organizers of the programme.
