The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pinktober, was launched in Accra, Ghana, with a call to action for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. According to Dr. Mary Ann-Dadzie, a Senior Specialist in Radiation and Clinical Oncology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, about 5,000 cases of breast cancer are recorded in Ghana every year, resulting in an estimated 2,695 deaths. She emphasized that 70% of breast cancer patients present themselves at advanced stages, making treatment challenging.
Dr. Ann-Dadzie further disclosed that the average age at diagnosis is 49, meaning many affected women are in their prime, building careers and families. She stressed that late detection is a significant challenge, making treatment longer and harder. The theme of this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month is "Early action, better outcomes," emphasizing the importance of timely health-seeking behavior.
Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, launched the initiative, highlighting that breast cancer remains the foremost cancer among women in Ghana. Although less common among men, breast cancer also affects them, leading to emotional, social, and financial consequences for families and placing a heavy demand on the health system. She emphasized that awareness alone is not enough and that awareness must be turned into action and commitment into health services that save lives.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah mentioned that Ghana's response to breast cancer is built around four pillars: prevention, early detection, equitable access to treatment, and compassionate care. The country is guided by the World Health Organisation's Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which seeks to reduce breast cancer deaths by 2.5% annually. The initiative has three benchmarks, including having at least 60% of cancers diagnosed at an early stage, completing diagnosis within 60 days of first presentation, and ensuring that at least 80% of patients complete treatment.
The Deputy Minister identified fear, stigma, misinformation, cost, and distance as barriers that make women delay seeking care. To address these challenges, the government is strengthening the country's cancer response through the National Cancer Registry and a revised national cancer strategy. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, is being operationalized to support citizens living with non-communicable diseases, including cancers.
Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, mentioned that her outfit is implementing a breast cancer project in the Ashanti, Northern, and Greater Accra regions, in partnership with JHPIEGO, an NGO, with funding from the Pfizer Foundation. The project has equipped healthcare providers with skills to conduct breast clinical examinations, strengthen breast cancer education, and address myths and misconceptions that could delay care-seeking.
Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Director, emphasized that breast cancer has become a major public health challenge in Africa. She encouraged women to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and understand the importance of seeking care early when changes are detected. Health professionals, communities, workplaces, the media, civil society organizations, and development partners are called upon to intensify education and promote timely health-seeking behavior.
Key points
- 2,695 women die from breast cancer annually in Ghana
- 70% of breast cancer patients present themselves at advanced stages
- The country aims to reduce breast cancer deaths by 2.5% annually through the Global Breast Cancer Initiative
