In recent decades, breast cancer awareness has gained momentum globally, including in Ghana. While the first organized awareness effort took place in the United States in 1985, with October being declared National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, countries like Ghana have since embraced this initiative.
In Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is at the forefront of raising awareness about breast cancer. Despite these efforts, the disease continues to rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies breast cancer as the most common cancer worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases annually. In Ghana, nearly 5,000 cases are recorded each year, and in 2022, 5,026 cases were reported, with approximately half resulting in death. Of those diagnosed in 2022, 2,369 lost their lives, largely due to late detection and stigma.
In many parts of Ghana, breast cancer and other diseases are still stigmatized, with patients often alienated from their communities. Superstition and misconceptions about the disease further complicate efforts to seek early treatment, as some believe breast cancer is spiritual in nature. This atmosphere of fear prevents individuals, especially women, from seeking timely medical attention, and men, too, face challenges since breast cancer is often viewed as a “woman’s disease.”
The evidence, however, shows that breast cancer affects both men and women. The GHS encourages all adults, particularly those aged 40 to 49, to follow health experts’ recommendations, including regular mammograms, to reduce their risk. With early detection, many lives can be saved, and the stigma surrounding breast cancer can be diminished.
The hope for Ghana is that breast cancer awareness extends beyond October, with ongoing efforts to educate and support those at risk. By doing so, the country can improve early detection rates and save more lives.