The internationally acclaimed cancer surgeon and President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai has rallied both religious and traditional leaders to use their influences to effect change in the way their followers think about diseases such as breast cancer.
Speaking during the climax of the World Cancer Day in Kumasi last Friday, Dr Addai said cancer cases across the globe was rising annually.
The threat of breast cancer particularly, the calm medical practitioner revealed was affecting one out of every five women.
This, the cancer surgeon indicated needed urgent responses in tackling same so as to halt the spread and also provide ways of treating those who have unfortunately been hit by the disease.
“Across the globe people especially women tend to respect their leaders particularly Pastors and traditional leaders and it is important that these leaders lead the wave of education on breast cancer”, Dr Wiafe Addai intimated.
GUEST SPEAKER:
Addressing the gathering on ways to deal with the threat of breast cancer in the Christian Faith, Bishop Dr James Newcome, Bishop of the Church of England urged leaders to constantly study to provide their congregation with the right kind of information concerning issues such as breast cancer.
He noted that there were three ways of empowering church members and these were through teachings, the study of science and care giving.
According to the Bishop of England, God the creator of the universe wants humans to be in good health.
He noted that issues about breast cancer was purely medical and urged congregations across the world to see it as such, adding while at it they should back the treatments with prayer.
Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Cancer surgeon and President of BCI speaking during the World Cancer Day closing ceremony at Kumasi Technical University campus.
CHAIRMAN AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Chairing the event, Nana Professor Mensah Bonsu, Lecturer and Chief of Asakyire urged the public to treat medical issues as such.
He noted breast cancer was treatable and curable and therefore urged the public to report any signs they see to the hospital for attention and possible treatment.
On their part, Rev Professor Frimpong Manso and Rev Professor Safo Kantanka, Head of the Assemblies of God Church and Former Moderator of Methodist Church in Kumasi respectively said it was important that Christians demystify health issues from spiritual matters.
According to them, cancers just like malaria and other communicable diseases can be dealt with at early stages than waiting for them to blow up.
Present at the ceremony were about five Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis as well as the Peace and Love Survivors Group (PALS).
