Breast Cancer fatalities remain high in Ghana despite years of awareness campaigns – Experts raise concern

Health experts have expressed deep concern over the growing number of breast cancer deaths in Ghana, attributing the trend largely to late medical intervention and poor public awareness.

Despite over a decade of nationwide campaigns dedicated to breast cancer awareness, many women continue to seek medical attention only when the disease has reached an advanced stage drastically reducing their chances of survival.

The Vice President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Dr. Naa Adorkor Aryeetey, has lamented that fear of surgery and social stigmatization are among the key reasons women fail to report early signs of breast abnormalities.

“Many women notice changes in their breasts but choose to remain silent because they fear being operated on or being stigmatized,” Dr. Aryeetey said.

“This fear has made it almost impossible to achieve a significant reduction in breast cancer-related deaths in Ghana.”

Dr. Aryeetey noted that, in most cases, by the time patients report to health facilities, the cancer has progressed beyond the early stages, making treatment more difficult and costly.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commemorated globally every October, was introduced in Ghana more than ten years ago to promote early screening and education. However, experts say the campaign’s impact has not translated into the desired behavioural change.

According to Dr. Aryeetey, the majority of women still present late to hospitals, often when symptoms are severe and the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

“The aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to encourage early reporting and treatment,” she stressed.

“Unfortunately, many women continue to wait until it is too late, defeating the purpose of these awareness campaigns.”

She added that limited knowledge about the disease especially in rural communities continues to drive misconceptions and delays in seeking help. Dr. Aryeetey explained that many women have little or no information about breast cancer symptoms, screening procedures, or available treatment options. This, she said, has contributed to the rising number of cases recorded nationwide.

To address this gap, she called for intensified public education, community outreach, and partnerships with traditional and religious leaders to demystify breast cancer and encourage regular screening.

The Program Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases Control at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Wallace Odike-Ollennu, urged women to take advantage of the inclusion of breast cancer screening under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“Women should not wait for symptoms before going for a check-up. Early detection saves lives,” he said.

“Now that screening is covered by NHIS, we encourage all women to get screened regularly, especially those above 40 or with a family history of cancer.”

Dr. Odike-Ollennu emphasized that breast cancer is curable if detected early, noting that effective treatment and recovery depend heavily on timely diagnosis. Some breast cancer survivors at the event shared emotional testimonies, recounting how early detection and access to proper medical care saved their lives. They urged other women not to ignore lumps or unusual changes in their breasts and to seek medical advice immediately.

They also called on the public to end discrimination and stigma against breast cancer patients, saying that such attitudes discourage others from coming forward for diagnosis and treatment.

“We must stop the victimization and fear,” one survivor said. “Women should feel supported, not judged, when they go for screening or treatment.”

According to health experts, one out of every twelve women in Ghana is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime a figure that continues to rise annually. Medical professionals warn that without improved awareness, early detection, and access to treatment, breast cancer could remain one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

For Trudy Arnold, founder of the Trudy Arnold Foundation and CEO of Studio 7 Clinic and Med Spa, this cause goes beyond advocacy, it is deeply personal. Having lost both her mother and grandmother to breast cancer, Trudy has transformed her grief into purpose, dedicating her platform and resources to saving lives through awareness, education, and empowerment.

“This is not just about breast cancer; it’s about women’s overall well-being,” Trudy noted.

“Through the Foundation, we aim to tackle broader issues affecting women and Children from mental health challenges to skill-building and empowerment Programs because when we care for women, we strengthen communities.”

Throughout October, the Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, the Breast Society of Ghana, and Judy’s Home Healthcare Agency, spearheaded a chain of community-focused initiatives aimed at promoting early detection, education, and access

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Ghana and a major public health concern. Studies show that over 70 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at late stages (Stage III or IV), mainly due to limited awareness, fear of stigmatization, and lack of accessible screening facilities in rural areas.

The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with organizations like the Breast Society of Ghana and NGOs, continue to intensify campaigns through community education, free screening exercises, and advocacy programs aimed at reducing breast cancer fatalities.

Source: 3news.com