The University of Health And Allied Sciences and the Volta Regional Police Command have organized a two-day health screening for personnel and their dependents in the regional capital, Ho.
The exercise, which began on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, screened officers in cervical, breast, and prostate cancers as well as hepatitis B.
Educating Police officers ahead of the screening exercise the lead facilitator, Prof. Margaret Kweku, from the Epidemiology and Statistics Department of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) indicated that security personnel as per their mandates work to protect the public as such needed to be medically and physically fit themselves, to discharge their duties effectively.
She revealed that in Ghana 8.57 million women of 15 years and older stand the risk of developing cervical cancer. Out of this number 3,151 are diagnosed with the disease annually with 2,119 dying from cancer.
Prof. Margaret Kweku indicated that 90 percent of women get infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection. She mentioned some risk factors such as unprotected sex, long-term use of combined oral contraceptives, multiple sexual partners, excessive exposure to nicotine( smoking), etc.
On prostate cancer, Prof. Margaret Kweku stated that age, family, and race are predominantly risk factors for developing the disease. According to the Professor, 25 percent of men who take the Prostate-Specific Antigen examination test positive for prostate cancer, making it necessary for one to take the test.
Prof. Margaret Kwaku advised Police officers to eat fruits and vegetables regularly to boost their immune systems and to remain safe. She also advised the officers especially women to avoid using second-hand panties since those panties may be infected with viruses that they may contract.
The Professor was quick to add that getting tested is the surest way to know one’s status and get treatment.
Police officers were screened in visual inspection with acetic acid for cervical cancer, breast cancer screening, Hepatitis B, and those with early symptoms were referred to the Ho teaching hospital.
