TEWU of TUC Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness, Screening for Women Workers in Upper East Region

By – Gladys Apuweni

The Teachers’ and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has intensified efforts to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection among women workers as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

The programme, organised by TEWU in the Upper East Region, sought to educate women on the importance of breast cancer screening, early detection and seeking timely medical attention. It also provided an opportunity for participants to interact with health professionals, ask questions and gain practical knowledge to help protect their health

Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azotiba, said the union was sponsoring breast cancer screening on a limited scale across all ten regions of Ghana, including the Upper East Region, to improve awareness and encourage women to prioritise their health

He stressed that women’s health was essential to national development, noting that women played significant roles in the workforce, families and the future of the country

“The health of women is the health of the nation. Women’s health is a strength of the union,” he said, urging participants not to shy away from screening but to take full advantage of the opportunity

Mr Azotiba encouraged the women to engage actively with the medical team during the screening exercise and share the knowledge acquired with colleagues, relatives and other women who could not attend the programme. He said such efforts would help extend breast cancer awareness to more communities, particularly women who might be suffering in silence

For her part, the Upper East Regional TEWU Women’s Chairperson, Madam Theresa Ayintoliya, said the theme for the programme, “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” highlighted the need for compassion, understanding and support for people affected by breast cancer

She explained that breast cancer awareness went beyond wearing pink, stressing the importance of promoting knowledge, encouraging early medical assessment and creating an environment where people could discuss their health concerns without fear or stigma

Madam Ayintoliya further reminded women workers that while caring for their families, colleagues and communities, they must also prioritise their own health and well-being

She noted that the union’s responsibility extended beyond advocating for improved conditions of service to promoting the health, welfare and dignity of its members

She therefore urged participants to listen attentively to health professionals, ask questions and share the knowledge gained with others to help build a more informed and health conscious community

Madam Ayintoliya also expressed appreciation to the union’s national leadership, invited guests, health professionals, union leaders and all participants whose contributions made the programme possible

The initiative forms part of TEWU’s broader efforts to promote the welfare of its members and encourage preventive healthcare, with emphasis on breast cancer awareness, early detection and collective responsibility for women’s health

Source – gbcuraonline.com