{
  "id": 13688421,
  "title": "Journalists look back on a decade of breast cancer reporting in Ghana",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/journalists-look-back-on-a-decade-of-breast-cancer-reporting-in-ghana",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-11T09:35:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/journalists-look-back-on-a-decade-of-breast-cancer-reporting-in-ghana/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A decade of breast cancer reporting in Ghana has left a lasting impact on journalists, as they look back on their experiences. Francis Appiah, Deputy News Editor at Otec FM, vividly recalls a campaign in Cape Coast that continued despite heavy rain, with people turning up in large numbers. Another campaign in Tamale faced intense heat, prompting the Ghana National Fire Service to provide relief. Appiah, who has worked with Breast Care International (BCI) since 2011, has gained valuable insights through these experiences, which he shares with the public to promote understanding of the disease.\n\nOne of the most poignant encounters for Appiah was with a woman named Gifty Joyce, who had advanced breast cancer. After seeking help at a prayer house, she was introduced to BCI and ultimately survived a mastectomy. This experience highlighted the issue of women concealing their diagnosis due to fear of stigma and discrimination. Appiah also remembers a student who initially feared her doctor would remove her breast upon discovering a lump. With encouragement, she received appropriate treatment and now works as usual.\n\nAppiah emphasizes the importance of reaching people before fear, misinformation, and delays in seeking care can complicate their situation. He believes rural communities need greater attention, as patients may arrive at health facilities with advanced disease and access to specialized services can be limited. He advocates for awareness campaigns to be taken into remote communities, where Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds may not offer specialized breast cancer treatment.",
  "summary": "For Francis Appiah, a breast cancer awareness campaign in Cape Coast remains unforgettable, not because of the speeches delivered that day, but because of what happened when the rain began. The downpour was heavy, but people continued to turn up for the campaign organised by Breast Care International (BCI). “They came out in their numbers; […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Journalists reflect on decade of breast cancer reporting in Ghana.",
    "Campaigns in Cape Coast and Tamale overcome harsh weather conditions.",
    "Gifty Joyce's story highlights stigma and importance of early detection."
  ],
  "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."
}