Immanuel Temple’s Royal Ladies Ministry Spearheads Early Cancer Detection Campaign
The Royal Ladies Ministry, the women’s division of Royalhouse Chapel International (RCI), Immanuel Temple, East Legon, organised a breast cancer education and screening event aimed at encouraging early detection and prevention among both women and men in the church. The event, held on Sunday, November 2, at the church premises, was part of the ministry’s annual health awareness campaign. It included health talks, demonstrations on self-examination, and free medical screening, among other activities.
Rev. Elect Mrs. Theresa Dela Amanor, President of the Royal Ladies Ministry at Immanuel Temple, stated that the initiative aligns with the global campaign against breast cancer and was inspired by the vision of Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah and his wife, Apostle Mrs. Rita Korankye Ankrah. “Women are often the most affected by this ‘demon’ called breast cancer,” she said. “Our mother, Apostle Rita Korankye Ankrah, has always led the campaign for awareness, and we are following in her footsteps. Early detection saves lives, and that is what we are here to promote.”
She emphasised that the church’s role goes beyond prayer to include education and practical health support. “Some people believe that when they find a lump, they should only pray about it or use traditional means,” she noted. “But Jesus emphasised that ‘The sick need a physician.’ So, it is not wrong to go to the hospital for proper medical attention.”
Rev. Elect Mrs. Amanor stated that the programme aims to dispel myths surrounding breast cancer, including fears of stigma and the misconception that the disease is purely spiritual. “As the Bible advises, ‘watch and pray.’ Let’s prioritise our health by being vigilant and proactive. When we notice any issues, let’s combine prayer with medical attention. Faith and action go hand in hand. Dear sisters, let’s seek medical care promptly and trust in God’s healing power. By doing both, we’ll experience His divine intervention. It is better to go to the hospital and be told it’s nothing than to sit in fear and lose your life,” she added.
She also commended the church’s Second Generation (2G) ladies for championing the campaign theme, ‘Spot It, Stop It, Survive’, which promotes regular breast checks, early reporting of abnormalities, and professional care.
Dr. Efua Antwiwaa Thompson, a final-year resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who led the medical screening team, underscored the importance of early diagnosis.
“Breast cancer is a tumour or abnormal growth in the breast that becomes cancerous and can cause serious health complications if not detected early,” she explained. “Our goal is to create awareness in churches, workplaces, and communities because early detection saves lives.”
Dr Thompson observed that delayed detection often allows the disease to spread to vital organs such as the lungs, liver, spine, and stomach, making treatment more difficult. She urged women to make the most of regular screenings and learn to perform self-examinations at home.
The event also provided free prostate cancer screenings for men. Sonographer Eric Saka Boateng from Royal Medical Diagnostics, Korle Bu, advised men over 40 to have annual prostate checks, explaining that the condition often shows no early symptoms.
“Prostate cancer in its early stages does not have any symptoms at all. By the time signs appear, it might already be advanced,” he said. “That’s why regular screening is so important. Don’t wait for symptoms before getting checked.”
Mr Boateng advised men with a family history of prostate or breast cancer to begin testing at age 35 and reassured participants that the screening process is straightforward and painless. “It’s not as uncomfortable as people think,” he said. “Once you go through it, you’ll realise it’s nothing to fear.”
The screening attracted a large gathering of church members, many of whom expressed appreciation for the initiative. Leaders of the Royal Ladies Ministry stated that the event demonstrates the church’s dedication to supporting the holistic well-being of its members — spiritually, physically, and emotionally — and committed to continuing the promotion of community health awareness programmes.
