{
  "id": 12524817,
  "title": "Ghana: Breast Society Urges Women to Prioritise Screening",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/ghana-breast-society-urges-women-to-prioritise-screening",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-07T02:36:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica Health",
    "slug": "allafrica-health",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202610070087.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Breast Society of Ghana has called upon women to prioritize breast screening and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms, emphasizing that early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, yet the society asserts that early-stage breast cancer is curable, with survival rates exceeding 90 per cent for patients treated in the country. The society, in a statement co-signed by its president, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and general secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia, stated that Ghana possesses the necessary infrastructure and specialized expertise to treat and cure breast cancer, positioning the nation as a hub for specialist care within the West African sub-region. This announcement came during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pinktober 2026, in Accra. The society highlighted that many women tend to seek treatment only once the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, at which point it becomes incurable. Advanced breast cancer results in limited treatment options, prolonged and more costly treatments, and poorer survival outcomes. The society attributed delays in diagnosis and treatment to various factors, such as limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and inefficiencies within the healthcare system. Early action begins with recognizing that breast cancer can affect anyone, predominantly women but also men, and urging the public not to disregard breast symptoms. The society listed breast lumps, nipple discharge, and other breast abnormalities as signs necessitating prompt medical attention, stressing that regular screening is the most effective method for early detection. They urged all women to utilize free primary healthcare services and undergo breast screening at health facilities across the country. The society also called for an end to misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and its treatment, assuring that no woman should delay seeking medical attention due to fear of losing her breast, apprehension about chemotherapy, the belief that breast cancer is a spiritual curse, or reliance solely on unproven remedies. The society implored families and communities to support rather than stigmatize those affected by breast cancer. They also called upon 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 improve systems to minimize avoidable delays, with healthcare providers encouraged to promptly assess, investigate, and refer clients presenting with breast symptoms.",
  "summary": "[Ghanaian Times] 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ghanaian Times",
        "title": "Breast Society urges women to prioritise screening",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/breast-society-urges-women-to-prioritise-screening",
        "published": "2026-10-06T07:35:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}