Traditional rulers have been urged to take a more central role in breast cancer education campaign in their communities.

They should do everything to encourage the people, especially women, to undertake regular examination of their breasts, and to promptly report any abnormality to health facilities for treatment.

Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI), said chiefs have an important part to play to help demystify the disease.

She was speaking at a breast cancer screening held at Anum-Boso in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

The programme, organized as part of the Easter festivities, was spearheaded by Nana Adu Mankata the Second, a sub-chief in the Anum Traditional Area.

Dr (Mrs) Wiafe Addai said breast cancer has become a national health burden, given its rapid spread and the high fatality rate among women.

She said what she found even more disturbing was the fact that the disease was increasingly spreading among young women in the reproductive age.

There was, therefore, an urgent need for concerted efforts to fight the disease.

She said those in leadership could not remain on the sidelines, and that they must get actively involved by aiding the people to appreciate the critical importance of regular check-ups and early treatment.

Dr (Mrs) Wiafe Addai pointed out that early diagnosis and treatment was the best way to fight the disease.

She advised women to ignore the misconception that cancer was caused by witchcraft, and said women by their physiological nature, stood the greater risk of contracting the disease..

The BCI has been at the forefront of the nationwide campaign against breast cancer, and assisting the people to seek early treatment.

GNA