BCI sets up breast cancer navigation programme
Breast Care International (BCI), a breast cancer awareness organisation in Kumasi, is leading the effort at establishing the first-ever “Peer-Nurse Navigation Programme” for breast cancer patients.
The concept is based on “helping others through personal experiences (HOPE)” and it is being undertaken in partnership with Carrie’s Touch Incorporated, a United States based organisation.
In line with this, a three-day collaborative training course for voluntary breast cancer survivors and nurses trained in oncology is being held at the Peace and Love Hospital at Oduom, Kumasi.
The goal is to equip the personnel with the appropriate knowledge and skills to aid newly diagnosed cancer patients to cope with the disease and treatment using family, peer, community support and other resources.
Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of the BCI, expressed concern that most breast cancer patients report to the hospitals late.
She said there is the need for the nation to do more to help overcome the fear and frustration, which tend to undermine timely access to care.
She noted that the complicated maze of tests, appointments, treatments and other services often make it challenging for patients to find their way through the health care system to know what support and services are available.
Using a combination of cancer survivors and oncology nurses living in the same communities to guide newly diagnosed cancer patients would tremendously help to achieve quality health outcomes within a culturally appropriate context, Dr Addai said.
She expressed confidence that the HOPE navigation programme would bring down the current high percentage of patients defaulting treatment.
Dr Wiafe Addai said the partners have planned a full-scale implementation of the initiative being piloted in the Ashanti Region, throughout Ghana and expand to other African countries.
The Reverend Tammie Denyse, Founder and President of Carrie’s Touch Inc, asked the participants to stay focused mentally, emotionally and spiritually and devote their time and energy towards saving women from dying needlessly from breast cancer.
Dr Kwabena Opoku Adusei, President of the Ghana Medical Association, said communication is important in health care delivery and counselled the participants to device appropriate strategies that would make women have better understanding of the issues and seek early treatment.
Source: GNA