Pay attention to your breast health – Anatu Bogobiri Esq. urges women

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in charge of Finance and Investment, Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has urged women to pay close attention to their breast health.

According to her, women must know their bodies and seek medical advice promptly when they notice unusual changes.

In a short video, madam Bogobiri said early detection remains crucial in the fight against breast cancer, encouraging women to prioritise their health and follow screening recommendations from qualified
health professionals.

“Pay attention to your breast health. Know your body. Look out for unusual signs and seek medical advice early,” she advised.
Ms Bogobiri also called for sustained public education on breast cancer, stressing that awareness must extend beyond October, which is observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to her, efforts to promote breast health should be continuous to encourage early medical consultation, improve public understanding of the disease and support people affected by breast cancer.

“Breast cancer awareness should not end only in October. It must be continuous,” she said, emphasising the need for a sustained commitment to protecting lives.

She further urged the public to support people undergoing treatment and stand in solidarity with survivors, noting that the fight against breast cancer requires collective responsibility and compassion.

Breast cancer remains an important public health concern, with early diagnosis helping health professionals assess the disease and determine appropriate treatment.

Changes such as a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes or unusual discharge should be assessed by a health professional.

Although some breast changes may not be cancerous, medical evaluation is important to establish the cause. Women are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified health professionals on appropriate screening based on their age, risk factors and medical history.

Miss Bogobiri reiterated that protecting breast health requires consistent attention, timely medical advice and continued awareness throughout the year.

“Your health matters, and early detection saves lives,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has disclosed that Ghana records about 5,000 new cases of breast cancer every year, with nearly 2,000 deaths.

She disclosed the figures as Ghana launched the 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October, in Ho in the Volta Region on Thursday, October 1.

The campaign is being held under the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, with a focus on early detection, timely diagnosis, access to treatment and support for people affected by breast cancer.

Dr Lartey said the figures should reinforce the need for Ghanaians to take breast cancer awareness and early action seriously.