October: Women urged to report breast cancer symptoms early to facilitate treatment

As Ghana joins the global community to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month- October, the need for early detection and proper treatment has never been more pressing.

With over 4,650 new cases diagnosed annually, breast cancer is a significant health challenge in Ghana. Alarmingly, about 60% to 70% of cases are reported at advanced stages, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths each year.

Early detection remains crucial in the fight against breast cancer to ensure the cancer is treatable, and the chances of survival are high.

However, in Ghana, many women are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment more challenging.

Several factors including Financial Gap, Stigma and Myths, Limited Access to Screening Services and many more contribute to the high mortality rate from breast cancer in Ghana, including: To combat breast cancer, experts have said, it’s essential to empower women with knowledge about breast health and the importance of early detection.

The Breast Society of Ghana is at the forefront of this effort, providing educational programs, conferences, and a nationwide breast cancer helpline to support individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

All are encouraged to get screened regularly to help detect the breast cancer early while spreading awareness and supporting related initiatives.