The Breast Society of Ghana has urged women to prioritise breast screening and seek prompt medical attention for breast symptoms, saying early detection and timely treatment could significantly improve breast cancer survival outcomes.
The Society said breast cancer remained the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women in Ghana, but stressed that early breast cancer was curable, with survival rates of more than 90 per cent among patients treated in Ghana.
A statement jointly signed by the President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Prof Josephine Nsaful, and the General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia, said Ghana had the modalities and specialist expertise required to treat and cure breast cancer, adding that the country had become a hub for specialist care in the West African subregion.
The statement, issued to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pinktober 2026, said too many women continued to present for treatment when the disease had become advanced, at which point it was no longer curable.
It said when breast cancer was advanced, treatment options became limited, prolonged and more expensive, while survival outcomes were poor.
The Society attributed delays in diagnosis and treatment to a combination of factors, including limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers and delays within the healthcare system.
It stressed that early action began with recognising that breast cancer could affect anyone, mostly women but also men, and urged the public not to ignore breast symptoms.
It identified breast lumps, nipple discharge and other breast abnormalities as warning signs requiring prompt medical attention, while stressing regular screening as the best means of early detection.
It therefore called on all women to take advantage of free primary healthcare services and present themselves for breast screening at health facilities across the country.
The Society also called for an end to myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and its treatment, saying no woman should delay seeking medical attention because of fear of losing her breast, fear of chemotherapy, belief that breast cancer was a spiritual curse or reliance solely on unproven remedies.
The Society urged families and communities to support rather than stigmatise people affected by breast cancer, while calling on the media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and community leaders to promote accurate information and encourage timely care seeking.
Healthcare professionals and health institutions were also urged to strengthen systems to reduce avoidable delays, with healthcare providers encouraged to assess, investigate and refer clients with breast symptoms promptly.
The Society said every person diagnosed with breast cancer deserved access to evidence based, patient centred and comprehensive treatment.
It cited the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative targets established in 2021, which seek to have at least 60 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed at an early stage, diagnosis completed within 60 days and 80 per cent of diagnosed patients completing treatment.
The Society urged stakeholders to promote early screening, prompt reporting of symptoms, timely access to care and quality treatment for all breast cancer patients.
It said the responsibility rested with individuals, families, communities, religious bodies, healthcare systems, policymakers and government agencies.
The Society stated that early action could lead to earlier diagnosis, which could expand treatment options, while timely treatment could achieve a cure and improve survival outcomes.