BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer is any type of cancer that starts in the breast before spreading to other parts of the body. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in Ghana. At Nova Surgery Center (NSC), we employ screening methods of checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs and symptoms of disease.
Although screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. It is well known that when breast cancer is detected early and treated, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100% Research has shown that there are different types of breast cancer.
It is also known that every patient has unique risk factors and genetic predisposition for developing breast cancer. With this in mind, we use an ‘Informed and Shared Decision-Making” approach for breast cancer screening at NSC. With this approach, the patient plays an active part in the decision making. We discuss the patient’s individual risk factors.
Then we consider the benefits and risks of the various screening methods and together we select the best screening program. Screening at NSC may include :
- Clinical Breast Examination
- Breast Self-Awareness
- Breast Ultrasound
- Mammogram
Please report any of the following changes in your breast to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They are the usual signs and symptom of breast cancer :
- A retraction of the nipple of the breast
- A change in the skin of the nipple
- A dramatic increase in the size of the breast
- A puckering of the skin of the breast
- Swelling of the Lymph Nodes
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- A lump in the breast
CERVICAL CANCER (SCREENING AND AWARENESS PROGRAM)
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ghana. There is very little knowledge and awareness among the most susceptible and vulnerable members of the Ghanaian community.
The incidence and mortality from this disease have fallen significantly in developed countries over the past century due to scientific breakthroughs, awareness and vaccination campaigns, screening and early detection as well as advanced treatment facilities and protocols.
Currently, 83% of all new cases and 85% of all deaths annually worldwidefor cervical cancer, occur in developing countries. It is estimated that by the year 2030, cervical cancer will kill 443,000 women annually worldwide. Most of these currently preventable deaths will unfortunately occur in sub-saharan Africa.
The development of cervical cancer is the end-result of cervical infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is sexually transmitted.
It is now well established that contact of the cervix with High-risk HPV laden semen, during vaginal intercourse, sets off a series of microscopic changes at the cellular level. Over time, precancerous cells develop within the cervical tissue. If these changes are not detected and treated, the patient may go on to develop cervical cancer within 10 to 14 years.
Detection of pre-cancer cells and early-detection of cervical cancer, through screening may lead to simple, inexpensive curative measures. However, treatment of advanced cervical cancer is invariably expensive and incurs significant morbidity and mortality.
The developed nations have reduced their burden of cervical cancer with several programs, including :
- Awareness campaigns through sexual health education, eg use of condoms, safe sex, abstinence and sexually transmitted diseases
- Immunization campaigns
- Facilities for screening and treating STDs
- Cervical Cancer screening with Pap smear, and HPV testing
- Treatment Facilities for cervical cancer
As a result, in the United States, for example, cervical cancer is relatively uncommon. In Ghana, cervical cancer is reported to constitute 64% of the gynecologic cancer cases seen at Korle Bu, the major tertiary teaching hospital in Ghana. There is no comprehensive program for screening and treating this disease at the national level.
Nova surgery Center believes that cervical cancer must be accorded the same priority as HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Childhood Immunization in Ghana. We are on a mission to reduce the burden of cervical cancer by implementing the proven and tested strategies of the developed countries.
Awareness Campaign
- Radio Programs and Advertisements in English and local dialects
- TV Programs and Advertising in English and local dialects
- Printed Material
- Awareness walks, marathons and other activities
Immunization campaigns
- Radio Programs and Advertisements in English and local dialects
Facilities for Screening and Treating STDs, HPV and Pre cancer cells
- HPV testing – Pap smear
- Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid
- Colposcopy
Treatment of Early Cervical Cancer
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision
- Cryotherapy
