{
  "id": 15761318,
  "title": "Breast cancer myths are costing women their lives, experts warn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/breast-cancer-myths-are-costing-women-their-lives-experts-warn",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-20T15:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/breast-cancer-myths-are-costing-women-their-lives-experts-warn/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Every October, breast cancer organizations emphasize the importance of early detection, but misinformation, fear, and a lack of awareness prevent many women from seeking treatment in time. Over 4,000 breast cancer cases are recorded annually in the country, with the Chief Executive of Breast Care International, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, attributing the rising numbers to insufficient awareness and limited screening and treatment facilities. Breast cancer accounts for 31.8 percent of all cancer cases in the country, claiming at least 2,300 lives annually since 2020, out of approximately 5,000 diagnosed, with 8,000 dying between 2021 and 2024 due to late hospital visits. Dr. Wiafe Addai, who founded Peace and Love Hospitals, notes that most Ghanaian patients arrive with advanced disease.\n\nInternationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 670,000 died from it. In high-income countries, 83 percent of diagnosed women survive, while in low-income countries, more than half die. By 2050, the International Agency for Research on Cancer projects 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually if current trends persist. A common myth is that breast size influences the risk of breast cancer. Health experts assert that breast size does not cause the disease; having larger breasts does not mean a woman will develop breast cancer, just as smaller breasts do not offer protection. Risk factors include age, family history, inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, obesity, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity. Women of all breast sizes should perform regular self-examinations, attend screenings, and report any changes promptly.\n\nOne of the most damaging misconceptions is that breast cancer is caused by witchcraft or evil spirits. Dr. Wiafe Addai attributes many deaths among Ghanaian women to this superstition and urges women to seek medical care when they notice any abnormalities. She also clarifies that the belief that breast cancer can only be treated at prayer camps and shrines is false. Another prevalent myth is that sucking a woman’s breasts can lower her risk of developing the disease. Health professionals deny this claim, emphasizing that there is no scientific evidence supporting it. Dr. Wiafe Addai warns against handling the breast roughly and advises men to be gentle. Dr. Awura Adwoa Nunoo, a breast cancer campaigner, reiterates that breastfeeding rather than casual sucking reduces the risk. Dr. Gifty Atampugbire of the University of Ghana Medical Centre clarifies that it is breastfeeding, not casual touching, that lowers the risk.\n\nMany survivors mistakenly believe that completing treatment means the disease is eradicated permanently. Breast cancer can recur, either in the same breast or elsewhere in the body, sometimes years later. Regular follow-up appointments and check-ups are essential, and survivors are advised to remain vigilant by examining their breasts and seeking immediate medical attention for any changes. Early detection is crucial, not only at the onset but throughout the disease process.\n\nWhile breast cancer is predominantly a women's disease, accounting for 0.5 to 1 percent of cases in men worldwide, Ghana has a similar occurrence rate of one to three percent. Dr. Charles Arhinful of VRA Hospital at Aboadze encourages men to perform self-screenings. However, most breast cancers occur in women with no identifiable risk factors other than being female and aging. Dr. Wiafe Addai advises women to maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, limit alcohol consumption, and regularly examine their breasts as risk factors for cancer are beyond one’s control. The consequences of silence extend beyond individual health; stigma can strain familial relationships. The President of the Peace and Love Breast Cancer Survivors, Vivian Sarfo, urges men to support their wives through treatment rather than abandoning them, emphasizing that fear and stigma often delay women from seeking timely medical attention. Early detection remains the key to effective treatment, as removing the tumor preserves the breast. The message is clear: women must be proactive in breast self-examinations, promptly report any changes, and seek medical care at a hospital rather than a shrine.",
  "summary": "Every October, breast cancer campaigners repeat the same message: the disease is treatable when caught early, but fear, stigma and misinformation keep many women away from hospitals until it is too late.",
  "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."
}