In a bid to raise breast cancer awareness among women, UK-based breast cancer specialist Dr Biku Ghosh, in collaboration with Dr Palesa Chisala, a consultant surgeon from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, has trained over 70 community surveillance workers, leaders, clinical health officers, and nurses in early detection of breast cancer.
During the two-day training, he urged participants to promote monthly self-examination for all women over the age of 20.
The training also dwelled on the importance of avoiding alcohol and reducing obesity; lifestyle changes the trainers believe have potential of reducing breast cancers almost by 30%.
Dr Ghosh added that his team also plans to train over 50 clinical officers, nurses and midwives on how to detect and manage breast cancer cases in Chikwawa and Blantyre.
Ministry of Health recent records show that breast cancer is the third most common cancer in women in Malawi, with only 9.5 percent of patients surviving beyond 18 months.
Government has been implementing Akazi Project, which aims to promote systematic approach in breast cancer awareness and control.
By Alufisha Fischer
