BY DANIEL BAMPOE
Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has launched the 2026 Obaatanpa Free Breast Screening Exercise, an initiative aimed at promoting early detection of breast cancer and improving access to essential healthcare services for women across the constituency.
The exercise was officially launched at Anyinam on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with the screening programme scheduled to run from October 13 to October 31, covering communities throughout the Atiwa East Constituency in the Eastern Region.
The initiative forms part of efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage women to prioritise their health and improve access to screening services, particularly for residents who may face difficulties obtaining such services.
Speaking about the programme in a social media post, Ms Osei-Asare reaffirmed her commitment to promoting women’s health and supporting initiatives that improve healthcare delivery in the constituency.
She noted that breast cancer remains a major public health concern and stressed the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes.
According to the MP, the screening exercise is intended to provide women across Atiwa East with an opportunity to undergo breast screening while receiving essential health education to help them make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
She consequently encouraged women in the constituency to take advantage of the programme and make regular breast health checks an important part of their healthcare routines.
The October 13–31 exercise is expected to take the screening initiative to towns across the constituency, bringing the service closer to women in different communities.
The programme also seeks to strengthen public awareness about breast cancer and the importance of seeking medical attention when unusual changes in the breast are noticed.
Health professionals generally encourage women to be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and to seek medical assessment when they notice unusual lumps, changes in shape, skin changes or other concerning symptoms. Screening and diagnostic recommendations may vary depending on age, individual risk and available medical guidance.
Osei-Asare expressed appreciation to the Atiwa East District Health Director and her team for partnering with her to organise the exercise.
She also acknowledged the contribution of traditional leaders, particularly the queenmothers who attended the launch and continue to advocate for the welfare of women in their communities.
The MP described collaboration between healthcare professionals, traditional authorities and community stakeholders as important to promoting healthier families and improving health awareness at the grassroots level.
The Obaatanpa Free Breast Screening Exercise adds to constituency-level efforts to bring essential health services closer to residents and encourage preventive healthcare.
By focusing on breast health, the initiative is expected to provide an opportunity for women to seek screening and receive information about early detection, available medical services and the importance of timely follow-up where further assessment is necessary.
Ms Osei-Asare reiterated her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women’s wellbeing and contribute to the development of Atiwa East.
She called on women throughout the constituency to participate in the exercise and encouraged communities to support efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare. The programme will run until October 31, 2026, with activities scheduled to cover towns across the constituency.
