Breast cancer cases rise among younger women; experts call for early screening
Experts say 60 to 80 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, increasing treatment costs and reducing patients’ chances of survival.
Breast cancer cases among younger women in Ghana are on the rise, with experts attributing the increase to factors such as stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to treatment. At the annual meeting of the Breast Society of Ghana on Thursday, August 20, health professionals and survivors urged the government to implement stronger referral systems and improve access to quality breast cancer care.
Dr. Mary-Ann Dadzie, a specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted the growing number of younger patients presenting with advanced-stage breast cancer, often due to treatment interruptions caused by high costs, distance, and inadequate education about side effects. Lordina Mahama, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson on behalf of the First Lady, emphasized the financial burden of cancer treatment on women, stressing that the government aims to prevent them from having to choose between basic family needs and their own health.
Dorothy Afenyo, a 50-year-old breast cancer survivor, shared her experience of being diagnosed despite undergoing routine health checks, urging women to prioritize regular screening and seek medical attention promptly when noticing changes in their bodies.
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