At least 2,300 women die from curable breast cancer every year in Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has revealed.
Speaking during this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Dr. Wiafe Addai explained that the campaign seeks to encourage Ghanaians not to leave the fight against the disease to women alone, as men are also susceptible to breast cancer.
Thousands of women across the Ashanti Region participated in the street walk, which formed part of Breast Care International’s annual awareness campaign led by Dr. Wiafe Addai. The walk started at the Adum Post Office, passed through Adum, Kejetia, and Dr. Mensah, and ended at the Manhyia Palace.
Addressing participants, Ghana’s leading breast and cervical cancer advocate called for collective national support in the fight against breast cancer – a disease she described as curable yet still claiming thousands of Ghanaian lives each year.
“Every man has a woman in his life – your mother, wife, daughter, or sister. Let us not see breast cancer as a women-only issue. We must confront it as a family and community problem. When we bear that in mind, we will come to the aid of women diagnosed with breast cancer and help more of them survive,” she urged.
Dr. Wiafe Addai further emphasized the need for increased support and awareness, stressing that many women die unnecessarily due to neglect and misinformation.
“Today, we are going to see thousands of women who have survived breast cancer, and I want us to know that if we support our women during treatment, many more will become survivors. In Ghana, more than 2,300 women die from breast cancer every year. This is unacceptable; it is far higher than the number of people killed by COVID-19 in Ghana. This is a serious issue that cannot be swept under the carpet,” she stated.
She also urged the public to dismiss myths and misconceptions associating breast cancer with witchcraft, warning that such beliefs delay early detection and treatment.
“We can conquer and defeat breast cancer, but we need all hands on deck. We must educate our women to understand that breast cancer is a hospital disease, not caused by witchcraft. The way our young ladies are listening gives me hope that all the education they’ve received will be put into good practice. Let’s carry this message to our youth so they grow with that understanding,” she added.
Several breast cancer survivors shared their personal testimonies, encouraging others to seek early medical help and remain hopeful.
One survivor recounted, “Breast cancer is curable. When you notice changes in your breast, you must quickly go to the hospital. In my case, I relied on herbal medicine and prayer camps for healing. Unfortunately, my condition worsened until I was rushed to the Peace and Love Hospital for treatment.”
She continued, “My breast had swollen severely, but when Dr. Wiafe put me on medication, I fully recovered. Although one of my breasts was removed 13 years ago, I am now very healthy and more beautiful than before. My husband, who abandoned me during my illness, has now returned, begging for a reunion,” she said with a smile.
The event also featured a performance from a celebrated Ghanaian musician, who recently recovered from drug addiction. He used the platform to urge teenagers to abstain from premarital sex and focus on their education.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
