The Breast Society of Ghana has emphasized that breast cancer is curable when detected and treated early. According to the Society, early breast cancer treated in Ghana has a survival rate of more than 90%. This is a significant improvement in treatment outcomes, and the Society is urging women to prioritize breast screening and seek medical attention promptly when they notice abnormalities.
Breast cancer remains a major health challenge in Ghana, being the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women. The Society noted that too many women continue to present for treatment when the disease has reached an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult, prolonged, and expensive, while reducing their chances of survival. This highlights the need for increased awareness and education on breast cancer.
The Breast Society of Ghana, under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes” for Pinktober 2026, is promoting early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The Society has identified factors contributing to delays in seeking care, including limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and delays within the healthcare system. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving treatment outcomes.
The Society is urging women to seek medical attention promptly when they notice a lump, nipple discharge, changes in the shape or size of the breast, skin changes, or any persistent abnormality. Screening is also an essential way to detect breast cancer early, before symptoms develop. Women are encouraged to take advantage of free primary healthcare services for breast screening at health facilities across the country.
The Breast Society of Ghana is also working to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer. The Society emphasizes that no woman should delay seeking medical attention due to fear of losing her breast, chemotherapy, or the belief that breast cancer is a spiritual curse. Instead, women should seek medical attention promptly, and families and communities should support, rather than stigmatize, people affected by breast cancer.
The Society is calling on healthcare professionals and institutions to strengthen systems that reduce avoidable delays and ensure that clients with breast symptoms are assessed, investigated, and referred promptly. Early action can lead to earlier diagnosis, expand treatment options, and improve survival outcomes. Ghana has the necessary facilities and expertise to treat breast cancer, eliminating the need for patients to seek care abroad.
Professor Josephine Nsaful, President of the Breast Society of Ghana, and Ms. Enam Setsoafia, General Secretary, have jointly signed a statement highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The Society's efforts aim to promote accurate information, encourage timely care-seeking, and improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients in Ghana.
Key points
- Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can lead to a survival rate of over 90% in Ghana.
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women in Ghana.
- The Breast Society of Ghana is promoting early detection and treatment of breast cancer under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes” for Pinktober 2026.
