The Department of Polyclinic/Family Medicine Sub-BMC, in partnership with Global Outreach Consortium, Amani Medical Foundation, and Bon-Secours Mercy Health, has successfully screened about one hundred thirty-four (134) women for both cervical and breast cancer.
Among the abnormal findings discovered during the free screening of the 134 participants, ten women were diagnosed with acetowhite lesions, while two women each had polyps and two also had breast lumps. They were subsequently referred for further testing and treatment.
The medical team for the screening was coordinated by Dr. Priscilla Vandyck-Sey, the Head of the Department of Polyclinic/Family Medicine, along with her foreign counterparts from St. Francis Family Medicine Hospital in the United States.
Dr. Jelisa Timmons, the programme director for the group, said they met Dr. Vandyck-Sey while she was conducting research at the hospital and she shared her vision for combating cervical cancer in Ghana. As the head of Korle Bu Polyclinic/Family Medicine, Dr. Vandyck-Sey had recently established a women’s clinic and invited their foundation to support her efforts.
They were honoured to collaborate, as their mission aligns perfectly with her goals. Amani Medical Foundation is dedicated to promoting women’s health and detecting cervical cancer at its earliest stages.
Dr. Catrell Owens-Agbeibor, a member of the foundation and the director’s wife, stated that, unlike many countries, cervical cancer-related deaths are rare in the United States. This is largely due to free cervical cancer screening for women aged 25 and above and widespread HPV vaccination programmes for girls aged 9 to 26, which protect against future cervical cancer risks. She emphasized that their foundation aims to bring this life-saving model to Ghana and beyond.
As a token of gratitude and encouragement, each of the 134 women who underwent cervical and breast screening received a reusable shopping bag or a jotter. These gifts symbolize Amani Medical Foundation’s commitment to empowering women’s health and well-being.
