Nearly 70 per cent of breast cancer patients in Ghana are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with health experts warning that late detection is contributing to thousands of deaths annually.
Breast cancer accounts for about 16 per cent of all cancer cases in the country, with an estimated 4,650 to 5,000 new cases recorded each year.
Specialist Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Dr Roland Paaga, says early detection and prompt medical attention are critical to reducing breast cancer deaths.
He made the call when the Adamus Ladies Association organised a free breast screening and health education programme as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr Paaga urged women and men to seek medical attention promptly whenever they notice unusual changes in the breast.
“The only way we can bring these numbers down is through early detection. Once you feel there is something in your breast and you report it on time, we will investigate it.”
He explained that a lump or other unusual change does not necessarily mean a person has breast cancer, but stressed the need for medical examination to establish the cause.
According to him, where cancer is suspected, further investigations, including a biopsy, can confirm the diagnosis and enable treatment to begin at an early stage.
“If people report early or practise self-breast examination when they feel something and report to us early, we are confident the numbers will come down.”
Dr Paaga also identified smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as risk factors and encouraged people who engage in such habits to stop.
He further urged the public to make breast checks a regular part of their health routine and not wait until symptoms become severe before seeking medical care.
President of the Adamus Ladies Association, Mrs Hannah Chemel, encouraged women to seek professional medical advice whenever they notice anything unusual.
“If you feel anything unusual in your breast, it doesn’t automatically mean it is breast cancer, but the best option is to visit the hospital for a check-up.”
She said increased awareness and access to screening could help women overcome fear and seek treatment early.
Corporate Affairs representative of Adamus Resources Limited, Kaku Bennett, said men also have an important role to play in the fight against breast cancer.
He urged men to encourage and support their partners, relatives and other women to go for screening.
“Men should support women by encouraging them to go for screening. They must actively assist women to ensure they get checked early, because early detection saves lives.”
The health education and screening programme forms part of efforts by the Adamus Ladies Association to promote early detection and improve awareness of breast cancer in the community.
Health experts continue to stress that early reporting, regular breast checks and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
