An oncology nurse at the Ho Teaching Hospital, Georgina Yawa Gyamfi, has called on Ghana's media to provide health professionals with adequate airtime to educate the public on breast cancer. This initiative aims to dispel misconceptions about the disease and encourage timely medical attention. Speaking on behalf of the Breast Society of Ghana, Nurse Gyamfi emphasized the importance of accurate information in reducing fear and anxiety among the public.
The call was made during an interview with Adom News on the sidelines of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Launch, Sensitisation and Screening Programme held at the GNAT Hall in Ho. The programme's theme was “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters. United for a Breast Cancer-Free Ghana: Early Detection, Early Action, Better Outcomes.” This event highlights the need for public education and awareness about breast cancer.
According to Nurse Gyamfi, misinformation about breast cancer continues to fuel fear and anxiety among members of the public. Some people rely on unverified information about the disease, which can lead to delayed medical attention and worsen health outcomes. She expressed concern that some individuals allegedly pay media houses to disseminate inaccurate information on breast cancer.
Nurse Gyamfi appealed to media organisations to collaborate with qualified health professionals and dedicate more airtime to providing accurate information on the causes, prevention, early detection, and treatment of breast cancer. She stressed that increased public education could encourage people to seek medical care promptly and help reduce the complications associated with late detection.
The oncology nurse advised the public to obtain information on breast cancer from qualified health professionals and credible sources rather than relying on unverified claims circulating in the media and elsewhere. This approach can help prevent the spread of misinformation and promote a better understanding of the disease.
Nurse Gyamfi also cited the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, which focuses on improving early detection and treatment outcomes. The initiative aims for at least 60 per cent of breast cancers to be diagnosed at an early stage, diagnosis to be completed within 60 days, and 80 per cent of diagnosed patients to complete their treatment.
Finally, Nurse Gyamfi appealed to the government to expand cancer care infrastructure by establishing and equipping more breast cancer treatment centres across the country. This expansion would ease the growing pressure on the two existing national cancer centres and ensure timely access to quality cancer care for all. Key points include:
Key points
- Media urged to provide accurate information on breast cancer
- Misinformation fuels fear and anxiety among the public
- Government urged to expand cancer care infrastructure
