The Breast Society of Ghana has called on women to prioritize early breast cancer screening and prompt medical attention, warning that delayed diagnosis significantly reduces treatment options and survival chances. This call to action comes as the Society announces its theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or Pinktober, 2026: “Early Action, Better Outcomes.” According to the Society, breast cancer is a major health challenge in Ghana and the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women.
The Society notes that while early breast cancer is curable, many patients seek treatment when the disease has already advanced, making treatment more prolonged, expensive, and less likely to result in survival. However, Ghana has the specialist expertise and treatment facilities needed to manage breast cancer, and has become a hub for specialist care in the West African subregion. In fact, the survival rate for early breast cancer treated in Ghana is above 90%, comparable to outcomes in developed countries.
Despite these positive trends, the Society expressed concern that many survivors are unable to openly share their experiences due to the stigma associated with the disease. Factors contributing to late diagnosis and treatment include limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial difficulties, geographical barriers, and delays within the healthcare system. The Society urges women not to ignore breast symptoms such as lumps, nipple discharge, changes in the shape or size of the breast, skin changes, or any persistent abnormality.
The best opportunity for early diagnosis is through breast screening before symptoms develop. The Breast Society of Ghana encourages women to take advantage of free primary healthcare services and access breast screening at health facilities across the country. Additionally, the Society called for an end to misconceptions that breast cancer is a spiritual curse or that unproven remedies can replace medical treatment.
The Society emphasizes that no woman should delay seeking medical attention due to fear of losing her breast, fear of chemotherapy, or reliance on unproven remedies. Families and communities are urged to support rather than stigmatize people living with breast cancer. The media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and community leaders are also encouraged to promote accurate information and encourage early care-seeking.
Healthcare professionals and institutions are urged to strengthen systems that minimize avoidable delays by promptly assessing, investigating, and referring patients with breast symptoms. The Society references the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative targets established in 2021, which aim to have at least 60% of breast cancers diagnosed at an early stage, complete diagnosis within 60 days, and ensure that 80% of diagnosed patients complete treatment.
Achieving these targets will require a collective effort from individuals, families, communities, religious bodies, healthcare institutions, policymakers, and government agencies. The Society believes that early action can lead to earlier diagnosis, expanding treatment options and improving chances of cure and survival. The message was signed by the President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia.
Key points
- The Breast Society of Ghana's "Early Action, Better Outcomes" campaign aims to promote early breast cancer screening and improve survival rates.
- Ghana has a high survival rate for early breast cancer, with a rate above 90%, comparable to outcomes in developed countries.
- The Society identifies stigma, limited awareness, and delays in the healthcare system as major factors contributing to late diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
