The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) has successfully climaxed the fifth edition of the annual Nufu Festival at the banking square of the University of Ghana on October 19, 2022. NufuFest (which translates from the Twi language to mean ‘celebration of breast’ or breast Festival’) is the flagship breast cancer awareness campaign led by Dr Lily Paemka -Human Molecular Geneticist and lecturer at WACCBIP. The month-long festival aims to raise awareness by dispelling long-held myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.
Researchers from WACCBIP offered free breast examinations and taught participants how to properly self-examine their breasts, what to look out for and the need to seek immediate medical care when any abnormalities are noticed.
Figure 1: NufuFest activities at the banking square in the University of Ghana.
Figure 2: A discussion session with NufuFest participants.
Present to participate at the event was Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana.
Figure 3: Prof Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana participating in NufuFest activities.
Speaking in an interview with the WACCBIP communications team, Professor Amfo said, "Breast cancer is a disease that affects many women in our country, and we must create awareness because if it is detected early, then you have a greater chance of survival. So, it is important that we know about the disease, how to examine ourselves as women, and when to seek help." She concluded by instructing women to take good care of themselves, get regular examinations, eat well, and exercise regularly.
Mrs Georgina Kuma-Dzagah, shared her experience on surviving breast cancer since her diagnosis at the age of 30 as well as the challenges she had to overcome during treatment. However, she explains that through determination and remaining positive, she has so far survived five years
She admonished the general public to take breast cancer sensitization seriously as everyone is susceptible. She also solicited the support of the general public by urging everyone to join in the battle against breast cancer and refrain from stigmatizing breast cancer patients.
Concluding, she stated that she became an advocate for breast cancer after surviving, to serve as a source of hope to others who are diagnosed. "I am a living testimony that there is life beyond breast cancer, but it is only possible if we all come together to support the fight," she added.
The NufuFest team also provided free cervical cancer risk screenings, COVID-19 exposure screenings, and other medical screenings as well as nutritional counselling at the event. There were also media engagement sessions where the Nufufest team had studio appearances on television and radio to educate the general public on the disease.
Over the course of the month-long event, the team also made trips to the Accra-Tema lorry station and Aburi Girls’ Senior High School.
Figure 4: Dr Lily Paemka speaking on breast cancer at Aburi Girls' Senior High School
Figure 5: A cross section of students participating in Nufu Festival activities
