The training, held from March 6th to March 28th, 2024, aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge of cancer genetic counseling and testing, with 8 modules, each comprising 8 sessions lasting 4 hours.
The curriculum covered a wide range of topics including genetics and the molecular basis of inheritance, human genetics related to health and disease, indications for cancer genetic counseling, role-playing exercises, facilitating decision-making, and the process of ordering testing, among others.
Notable professionals who took part in the training were Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, Dr Abena Ofosuah Addai, Dr Benjamin Oti Asante, Mrs Victoria De-graft Agyei, and Mrs Bernice Ofosuhene Peasah.
Rev. Patrick Agyekum, Ms. Rita Achiaa, Mr Samuel Kwasi Wiafe, Ms. Priscilla Osei, and Elizabeth Aba Akoto were also among the trainees.
Participants received certificates of participation and completion, with Dr. Mrs Wiafe-Addai, CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals, being honored at a brief ceremony held at the hospital’s premises.
Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai emphasized the importance of the training, especially given the high prevalence of breast cancer in Ghana. She pointed out that almost 30 percent of breast cancer patients in the country are triple negative and typically below 50 years old.
She expressed optimism about the collaboration between Columbia University, Peace and Love Hospitals, and KNUST, believing it would revolutionize breast cancer management. Dr Wiafe-Addai stressed the significance of identifying hereditary breast cancer, which could provide vital information for both patients and their family members regarding the risk of other cancers.
Dr Wiafe-Addai commended the trainees for their commitment to the program and highlighted their pivotal role in educating others to tackle the health challenge in the country.
The participants expressed gratitude to Peace and Love Hospitals and Columbia University for the initiative, believing that the training would equip them to effectively address the condition.
Mrs Ofosuhene, a Senior Counseling Psychologist at KNUST and one of the trainees in Genetic Counseling and Testing, was confident that the training would help alleviate the psychological impact associated with breast cancer and other cancers in Ghana.
