Justina Nelson advocates year-round breast cancer screenings

Justina Nelson, CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), has called on Ghanaian women to prioritize breast cancer screenings throughout the year rather than limiting such check-ups to the month of October. Speaking at a health awareness event in Accra, she emphasized that while Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder, the fight against the disease requires constant vigilance and proactive health management beyond the annual campaign. The event, jointly organized by Women in Mining Ghana (WIMG) and MIIF, focused on the theme of investing in women’s health as a cornerstone for community well-being. Nelson underscored that early detection remains the most effective tool in reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer. She urged women to move beyond awareness and take tangible actions, such as performing regular self-examinations and seeking professional medical screenings whenever symptoms appear. Beyond individual responsibility, Nelson highlighted the importance of a support system, specifically calling on men to encourage and assist the women in their lives to seek prompt medical attention. This sentiment was echoed by Rosemary Oppong Kwasie, President of Women in Mining Ghana, who argued that women's health is inextricably linked to their empowerment. Kwasie called on various stakeholders to create environments that are supportive of women's specific health needs, particularly within the professional and industrial sectors. The initiative reflects a growing trend among corporate and industrial bodies in Ghana to integrate health advocacy into their social responsibility frameworks. By focusing on year-round education and reporting, MIIF and WIMG aim to ensure that health challenges do not hinder the progress of women in the mining sector or the broader economy. The speakers concluded by urging all participants to act as ambassadors for health in their respective communities.