Beyond the Diagnosis: The Pain, the Fear and the Fight to Survive Breast Cancer
By Osei-Tutu Esther Kumah Breast cancer survivor Miss Barbara Dowuona has described her five-year survival journey as a difficult experience. Barbara says, she would never wish the disease on even her worst enemy. “I will never wish for even my enemy to get cancer because cancer is not easy,” Barbara said, reflecting on her experience […]
In her five-year battle with breast cancer, survivor Miss Barbara Dowuona described the struggle as an immensely difficult experience. She stated that no one, not even her worst enemy, should ever have to face the disease, emphasizing the immense difficulty of cancer. Barbara shared her story on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation's (GBC) Women's Voice program, discussing the various challenges faced by patients, such as fear of the disease, misinformation that leads to fear of hospital visits, and delays in seeking medical care.
She urged women to undergo regular breast cancer screenings and seek immediate medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their breasts. According to Miss Barbara, many women only seek medical help when the disease has progressed, sometimes after sores have developed. She emphasized the importance of consulting qualified healthcare professionals and following recommended treatment rather than delaying care.
Dr. Wallace Ashitey Odiko-Ollennu, a public health specialist, explained that fear of hospitals, concerns about treatment, and reliance on unscientific remedies often prevent patients from accessing appropriate medical care in a timely manner. He cited the case of a woman diagnosed with carcinoma in situ, an early, non-invasive stage of cancer that remains confined to the tissue of origin.
Despite receiving her results, the woman initially avoided seeking care due to her fear of hospital treatment. Dr. Odiko-Ollennu stressed the importance of providing patients with adequate guidance and reassurance throughout their treatment journey. To address this issue, health professionals have implemented a patient navigator system designed to guide patients through diagnosis and treatment, helping them understand their diagnosis, navigate the healthcare system, learn about treatment options, and access medical and emotional support.
Dr. Odiko-Ollennu emphasized that during diagnosis, patients need someone to support them, someone well-versed in the healthcare system to take them to the next level.
The discussion highlighted the significance of addressing both the medical and emotional challenges associated with breast cancer, promoting early screening, timely treatment, and reliable public education. Miss Barbara's experience underscores the need for patients to receive the right information, reassurance, and professional support throughout their treatment and recovery.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
