{
  "id": 12332147,
  "title": "Breast Society urges women to prioritise screening",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/breast-society-urges-women-to-prioritise-screening",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T07:35:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/breast-society-urges-women-to-prioritise-screening/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Breast Society of Ghana has called on women to prioritize breast screening and seek immediate medical care upon noticing symptoms, emphasizing that early detection and timely treatment can greatly enhance survival rates against breast cancer. The society stated that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, yet highlighted that early-stage breast cancer is curable, with survival rates surpassing 90% for those treated in Ghana. In a statement co-signed by the President, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and the General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia, the society affirmed Ghana's capacity to treat and cure breast cancer, citing the availability of necessary modalities and specialist expertise. The statement, released in Accra to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pinktober 2026, lamented that many women still opt for treatment only after the disease advances, rendering it incurable. Advanced breast cancer restricts treatment options, prolongs treatment duration and costs, and leads to poorer survival outcomes. The society traced the delays in diagnosis and treatment to factors such as limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and inefficiencies within the healthcare system. Early action, according to the society, begins with recognizing that anyone can be affected by breast cancer, predominantly women but also men, and urges the public not to overlook breast symptoms. The society identified breast lumps, nipple discharge, and other breast abnormalities as indicators requiring prompt medical attention, stressing that regular screening remains the most effective method for early detection. The Breast Society thus urged all women to utilize free primary healthcare services and undergo breast screening at healthcare facilities nationwide. It also sought to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and its treatment, urging no woman to defer medical attention due to fears like losing her breast, undergoing chemotherapy, or believing breast cancer is a spiritual curse or resorting to unproven remedies. The society implored families and communities to support rather than stigmatize those affected by breast cancer and called on the media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and community leaders to disseminate accurate information and encourage timely care-seeking. Healthcare professionals and institutions were urged to streamline systems to minimize avoidable delays, with healthcare providers encouraged to promptly assess, investigate, and refer clients with breast symptoms.",
  "summary": "THE Breast Society of Ghana has urged women to prioritise breast screening and seek prompt medical attention when they notice symptoms, saying early detection and timely treatment could significantly improve breast cancer survival outcomes. The society said breast cancer remained the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, but stressed that … The post Breast…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}