The Breast Society of Ghana has urged women across the country to prioritise early breast cancer screening and seek prompt medical attention whenever they notice unusual breast symptoms.
The Society has adopted “Early Action, Better Outcomes” as the theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026, popularly known as Pinktober.
In a statement, the Breast Society of Ghana said breast cancer remains a major health challenge in Ghana, describing it as the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
Early Breast Cancer Can Be Cured
The Society expressed concern that many women continue to report to health facilities when breast cancer has already reached an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult and reducing the chances of a cure.
It stressed that early breast cancer is curable and noted that Ghana has the medical facilities and treatment options required to manage and cure the disease when detected early.
Ghana has also developed into a centre for specialist breast cancer care in West Africa, with patients from other countries in the subregion travelling to Ghana for treatment.
According to the Society, the survival rate for patients treated for early-stage breast cancer in Ghana is above 90%, a rate it said compares favourably with outcomes recorded in developed countries.
Breast Cancer Screening Can Save Lives
The Society said the growing number of breast cancer survivors in Ghana demonstrates the benefits of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, it noted that some survivors remain reluctant to share their experiences because of breast cancer stigma.
It explained that advanced breast cancer presents significantly greater challenges because treatment can be more complicated, expensive and prolonged, while survival outcomes are poorer.
The Society identified several factors that contribute to delayed diagnosis, including limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial difficulties, geographical barriers and delays within the healthcare system.
It therefore encouraged women and the wider public to recognise that breast cancer can affect anyone, although women account for the majority of cases.
Know the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
The Breast Society of Ghana urged people not to ignore possible breast cancer symptoms, including:
- A lump in the breast
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Changes to the skin of the breast
- Persistent abnormalities in the breast or nipple
However, the Society emphasised that the most effective approach to early breast cancer detection is screening before symptoms appear.
It encouraged women to take advantage of free primary healthcare services and access breast cancer screening at health facilities across Ghana.
Society Warns Against Breast Cancer Myths
The Society also called on the public to reject myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and its treatment.
It cautioned women against delaying medical care because of fears about breast removal, chemotherapy, misconceptions that breast cancer is a spiritual curse, or reliance solely on unproven treatment methods.
The Society stressed that breast cancer requires timely, appropriate and evidence-based medical treatment.
It encouraged anyone who develops breast symptoms to seek reliable information and consult qualified healthcare professionals.
Families Urged to Support Breast Cancer Patients
The Breast Society of Ghana further appealed to families and communities to support people living with breast cancer rather than subjecting them to stigma or discrimination.
It also called on the media, religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders to promote accurate information about breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Healthcare professionals and health institutions were urged to strengthen systems that can reduce avoidable delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The Society called on healthcare providers to promptly assess, investigate and refer patients presenting with breast-related symptoms.
WHO Breast Cancer Early Detection Targets
The Society referenced the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative, launched in 2021, which includes targets focused on early detection and timely treatment.
The targets include having at least 60% of breast cancers diagnosed at an early stage, completing diagnosis within 60 days, and ensuring that 80% of diagnosed patients complete their treatment.
The Breast Society of Ghana said Ghana must strengthen efforts to ensure that breast cancer is detected early through screening, symptoms are reported promptly, patients reach appropriate healthcare facilities without unnecessary delays, and everyone diagnosed with the disease receives timely, comprehensive and quality care.
It noted that achieving these goals requires a collective effort involving individuals, families, communities, religious organisations, healthcare providers, policymakers and government institutions.
The Society explained that early action can lead to earlier diagnosis, which can expand treatment options and improve the chances of successful treatment and survival.
The statement was signed by Prof. Josephine Nsaful, President of the Breast Society of Ghana, and Ms Enam Setsoafia, General Secretary.
The Society concluded its Pinktober 2026 campaign message with the call: “Early Action. Better Outcomes. The time to act is now.”
Source: newsthemegh.com