The Head of Administration at Nima Polyclinic, Gertrude Aba Awuku Bekoe, has urged women across Ghana to prioritise breast cancer screening, stressing that early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Her call comes as Ghana joins countries around the world to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October, a period dedicated to increasing public awareness about the disease and encouraging people to take preventive and screening measures.
Mrs Bekoe said breast cancer should not automatically be viewed as a death sentence, particularly when the disease is identified and treated at an early stage.
“Breast cancer does not mean that is the end of the road for you, if you detect it early, there is a lot of hope for you,” she said during a breast cancer screening exercise organised by Nima Polyclinic in partnership with ASA Savings and Loans.
She encouraged women to make routine medical examinations a priority and not wait until they experience serious symptoms before seeking medical attention.
According to her, the message surrounding breast cancer should focus not only on the seriousness of the disease but also on the possibility of successful treatment when cases are identified early.
Her comments are particularly relevant to Ghana, where late presentation remains a significant challenge in the management of breast cancer.
The Breast Society of Ghana recently said early breast cancer treated in Ghana has a survival rate of more than 90 per cent, while warning that many patients continue to report to health facilities when the disease is already advanced.
Late diagnosis can make treatment more complicated because cancer may have spread beyond the breast, limiting available treatment options and reducing the chances of a favourable outcome.
Dr David Sunu, Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Medical Centre, recently identified late reporting to health facilities as a major contributor to breast cancer deaths in Ghana.
He said studies suggest that a substantial proportion of women with breast cancer present at a late stage, making intervention more difficult.
The issue highlights the importance of screening and timely medical assessment, particularly for women who may have no obvious symptoms.
Mrs Bekoe’s message was reinforced by Eunice Boadu, Head of Human Resources at ASA Savings and Loans and a breast cancer survivor.
Ms Boadu disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and subsequently underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She encouraged women not to allow fear to prevent them from getting screened.
She described screening as painless and urged women to visit health facilities and have their health status assessed rather than allowing anxiety or misinformation to delay medical attention.
Her testimony also illustrates an important aspect of breast cancer awareness a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of a person’s life.
With appropriate medical care, many people diagnosed with breast cancer continue to live and return to their normal activities. Corrections Policy
The Chief Executive Officer of ASA Savings and Loans, Gwen Tinotenda Muteiwa, similarly encouraged women, particularly those working in corporate environments, to make time for their health.
She noted that women often devote significant attention to their professional responsibilities and the needs of their organisations, but maintaining good health is necessary to sustain those responsibilities.
The Nima Polyclinic screening exercise therefore served as both a medical intervention and an awareness campaign, giving participating women an opportunity to access screening while receiving information about the importance of early detection.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been observed internationally for decades, with the pink ribbon becoming one of the most recognisable symbols of efforts to raise awareness about the disease.
However, health professionals and cancer organisations have stressed that awareness should extend beyond October.
The Breast Society of Ghana has called for stronger systems that encourage women to undergo screening, recognise possible symptoms and seek medical attention without unnecessary delays.
Women are encouraged to seek professional medical advice if they notice unusual changes in their breasts, including a new lump, persistent changes in breast size or shape, changes in the skin, nipple abnormalities or unusual discharge.
Such symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Editorial Standards
Importantly, people should avoid relying solely on unproven remedies or delaying hospital care because of fear, stigma or misconceptions.
Dr Sunu has warned that reliance on unverified treatments can contribute to delays in receiving evidence-based medical care.
The broader challenge is therefore to move breast cancer awareness from an annual campaign into a continuous public health practice.
For women, that means taking screening and unusual symptoms seriously. For healthcare providers, it means making screening, diagnosis, referral and treatment as accessible and timely as possible.
For families and communities, it means supporting women who seek medical care rather than creating stigma around cancer.
The message from Nima Polyclinic is ultimately straightforward early action can make a major difference.
As Pink October activities continue across Ghana, health officials and advocates are encouraging women to take advantage of available screening opportunities and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
Early detection cannot guarantee that every breast cancer case will be cured, but identifying the disease sooner can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
For many women, that early step could make the difference between confronting the disease at a manageable stage and discovering it only after it has progressed.
The emphasis, therefore, should remain on awareness, timely screening, professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment because breast cancer is serious, but an early diagnosis can offer hope and a better chance of survival.