An Occupational Health Manager, Mr Samuel Agyekum, has dismissed widespread belief that wearing brassieres or using deodorant sprays causes breast cancer, stating that such claims are false and unscientific.

“The kind of bra you wear cannot give you breast cancer. At most, it may cause a minor skin irritation — that is if it’s too tight — but not cancer,” he explained.

Mr Agyekum made the clarification on Wednesday at a seminar with staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC) that preceded a staff screening, as part of activities to commemorate this year’s breast cancer month observation.

The screening was organised by Rabito Clinic, in collaboration with the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult). It was under the theme: ‘Female Journalist, Your Story Matters: Don’t Let Breast Cancer Silence You.’

According to Mr Samuel Agyekum, an officer from the Rabito Clinic, there was no research outcome that supports the claim that brassieres or deodorants trigger breast cancer. Rather, he attributed some of the triggers to sedentary lifestyles, consumption of ‘junk’ foods, smoking, drinking, among others.

Mr Agyekum urged women, especially, to prioritise self-breast examination (SBE) and go for regular medical checkups, explaining that early detection greatly improves the chances of survival.

He demonstrated practical steps in checking for unusual changes in breast size, shape, or colour, as well as lumps or nipple discharge. “If you don’t know your own body, you may miss important signs. Everyone should learn to look and feel,” he advised.

He further encouraged breastfeeding mothers to nurse their babies as long as possible, stating that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to both mother and child. “Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of developing breast cancer; it helps the uterus return to normal after childbirth,” he added.

Mr Banguu Delle, Chief Executive Officer of Rabito Clinic, indicated that the initiative was to empower female journalists to take charge of their health and continue to tell impactful stories.

“Increasing awareness and promoting self-examination among women will transform society and empower them to take control of their lives,” he stated, urging participants to “get screened and not allow breast cancer to silence their voices.”

Mr Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, said the outreach was extended to the NTC and four other media outlets to make screening accessible to more female journalists.

“You must first be healthy to report healthy news. Don’t only cover breast cancer stories, take part in them,” he emphasised.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, affecting more than 2.1 million women annually.

By Beatrice Princess Kpeglah & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse

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