Pinktober: Breast Cancer survival exceeds 90% when detected early – Breast Society of Ghana

As Ghana prepares for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2026, the Breast Society of Ghana has emphasized the importance of early detection in improving survival rates for women affected by breast cancer. According to Prof. Josephine Nsaful, the Society's President, early detection can boost survival outcomes to over 90%, comparable to those in developed countries.

However, the Society warns that many women in Ghana still present for treatment when the disease is advanced, making it incurable. The organization attributes this to factors like limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and delays within the healthcare system. To address this, the Society urges women to prioritize breast screening, take advantage of free primary healthcare services, and seek prompt medical attention for any breast symptoms, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or size.

The Society also stresses that no woman should delay treatment due to fears of losing a breast, chemotherapy, or believing breast cancer is a spiritual curse. Instead, they recommend relying on reliable information from qualified healthcare professionals and using the influence of media, religious leaders, and community leaders to promote accurate information and encourage timely care-seeking.

The Society calls for a collective effort from individuals, families, communities, religious bodies, healthcare systems, policymakers, and government agencies to diagnose breast cancer early, improve treatment options, and achieve better outcomes through timely, quality care.