The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has organised a free health screening programme for about 137 beneficiaries in the Ga North Municipal Assembly.
The exercise formed part of activities to mark the 2025 World Head and Neck Day, which is observed on July 27 each year. The outreach aimed to educate the public about the risk factors, symptoms, and early detection of head and neck cancers, specifically targeting the people of Ofankor in the Ga North Municipality.
The Head of the ENT Department, Dr Kenneth Baidoo, who led the 15-member clinical team, stated in his opening remarks that head and neck cancers are on the rise, and raising awareness is necessary to help reduce the prevalence rate or possibly eradicate the condition to improve the quality of life.
He mentioned that the free screening programme was held in collaboration with the Ga North Municipal Hospital, and he encouraged members of the community to take advantage of the opportunity to get screened.
Dr Baidoo emphasised that smoking shisha and tobacco among the youth, alcohol consumption, and engaging in oral sex are some of the risk factors associated with head and neck cancers.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly to boost the immune system.
Dr Evelyn Nyamekye, a Specialist, reinforced this message, urging people not to ignore symptoms such as a lump in the neck, a growth in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, changes in the skin, persistent earache, and coughing up blood.
Dr Agyenim Boateng, another Specialist, spoke about the dangers of using harmful chemicals and inhaling toxic substances, which could be detrimental to one’s health and increase the risk of head and neck cancers.
During the screening exercise, clinicians removed impacted earwax from some patients, providing them with instant relief.
Referrals were also issued to individuals who required further treatment.
The response from beneficiaries was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude to the clinicians and the hospital. They also expressed hope for more such initiatives in the future