The Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG) has intensified efforts to end the stigma surrounding breast cancer through a Grand Durbar of The Empowerment Project, held on October 10 under the theme “Breast Cancer: Stop the Stigma and Be Supportive.”
The event brought together health professionals, breast cancer survivors, students, and other key stakeholders to raise awareness, promote regular screening, and encourage public support for persons affected by breast cancer.
The programme featured educational sessions, survivor testimonies, and a book launch by the Breast Society of Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Akwasi Anyanful, Former Vice President of BSoG and Associate Professor of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, described Ghana’s approach to breast cancer as “haphazard.”
He revealed that between 4,000 and 5,000 new breast cancer cases are recorded annually, with an estimated 2,500 deaths each year.
“When we say 2,500 die, we don’t mean they are from that same year’s diagnoses. Some were diagnosed earlier,” he explained.
Prof. Anyanful emphasized the importance of regular breast screening for both men and women.
“Breast cancer is real. So for women, screen every year,” he advised.
Prof. Martin Morna, a surgeon at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, also stressed the need for early detection through regular screening, noting that breast cancer often presents no symptoms in its early stages.
He dispelled popular myths linking the disease to spiritual causes or infections.
“Breast cancer is not caused by spiritual forces or infections. Taking antibiotics to treat a lump in the breast is wrong,” he cautioned.
Prof. Morna warned against self-diagnosis and self-medication, urging individuals to seek professional medical care.
“If you notice a breast lump, let a doctor examine it to determine whether it is cancerous or benign,” he said.
He added that while most lumps in younger women are usually non-cancerous, older women should take them more seriously and report early for screening.
Sharing her personal experience, Mrs. Georgina Kumah-Dzagah, a breast cancer survivor and Executive Secretary of BSoG, urged the public to show empathy and support to breast cancer patients.
“The whispers, the gossip, the labelling; they don’t help. They break the spirit of many patients before the disease itself does. Let’s stop the stigma and be more supportive,” she appealed.
The Empowerment Project is a Pfizer-funded initiative organized by the Breast Society of Ghana in partnership with Margins ID Group and other sponsors. The project seeks to reduce stigmatization and improve breast cancer awareness across Ghana.
As part of the initiative, the BSoG is offering free breast screening from October 13 to 17 at the forecourt of the Sam Jonah Library, University of Cape Coast.
