Breast Care International (BCI), in collaboration with TEVA Pharmaceuticals, has successfully concluded a three-day Basic Oncology Training program for Physician Assistants and nurses from the Western North Region.
The event was aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the essential skills to effectively detect, manage, and refer cancer cases, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
The training was held at the premises of Peace and Love Hospital in Oduom, Oforikrom Municipality, Ashanti Region, in September 2024.
With the increasing burden of cancer cases across Ghana, the training initiative comes as part of efforts to ensure frontline healthcare workers are well-prepared to handle cancer-related issues, especially in underserved regions.
Managing Breast Cancer
The President of Breast Care International, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of early detection in improving cancer treatment outcomes and adding that early intervention significantly increases the chances of survival.
“Many lives can be saved if we educate our communities and encourage them to seek early medical attention. Unfortunately, the majority of cases we see are in the advanced stages, where treatment options are limited. By empowering healthcare providers, we are taking a major step towards reversing this trend and saving more lives,” Dr. Addai remarked.
She lauded the participants for their commitment to learning and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the training to improve cancer care in their respective healthcare facilities.
Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, who is also the CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals in Ghana, also reaffirmed BCI’s commitment to continuously investing in similar programs across the country.
Participants Share Their Experiences and Knowledge Gained
The training was well-received by the participants, who expressed gratitude to Breast Care International, TEVA, and Peace and Love Hospital for organizing such a timely and impactful event.
Many highlighted how the training had equipped them with the tools to better handle oncology cases in their communities.
One participant, a nurse from the Western North Region, shared, “We have learned a lot about early detection, patient counseling, and treatment options for cancer patients. This training has opened our eyes to many aspects of oncology we were previously unaware of.”
“It’s a privilege to be part of this initiative, and I am confident that this will help us improve cancer care delivery in the Western North Region,” she added when speaking to Otec News.
Several Physician Assistants also emphasized that the training not only broadened their knowledge of oncology but also fostered collaboration among healthcare professionals.
“The sessions were practical and insightful. We are now better equipped to work as a team in managing cancer cases, especially breast cancer,” noted one Physician Assistant.
Call for Ongoing Support and Expansion of Training Programs
Participants voiced their hope that similar programs would be rolled out in other regions, recognizing the urgent need to expand cancer care nationwide.
The event concluded with a strong call for continuous investment in oncology training and the provision of adequate resources to enable healthcare providers to better manage cancer cases across Ghana.
Breast Care International, TEVA, and Peace and Love Hospital assured the participants of their unwavering commitment to supporting healthcare professionals through ongoing education and awareness programs, with the aim of reducing cancer-related deaths in the country.
At the end of the training, certificates were issued to all participants, symbolizing their newly acquired competencies and dedication to improving oncology care in their communities.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
