It is common knowledge that one of the most dangerous diseases claiming lot of lives and especially women is Breast Cancer. Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, 2025, the theme for breast cancer is “Every Story is unique, every journey matters”. In 2022, statistics available from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Cancer reported that approximately an estimated 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to 670,000 deaths, painting a grim picture of the scale of the disease. Even more concerning is the fact that nearly 70 per cent of these cases are detected at late stages, drastically lowering the survival rate.
THE CURRENT STATE OF BREAST CANCER IN GHANA
According to the Ghana Health Service, breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among women accounting for more than 30 per cent of all female cancers diagnosed in the country. It says that between 2008 and 2018, the incidence of breast cancer rose from 23.8 cases per 100,000 women to 37.8 cases per 100,000 women. In some regions, survival outcomes remain particularly low. For instance, research from the Eastern Region indicates that only about 52 per cent of patients survive beyond three years after diagnosis, underscoring the need for early screening and intervention.
PRCD CAMPAIGN
At the 12th Virtual Information Session organized for Public Relations Officers (PROs), a platform for sharing knowledge, the Public Relations Coordinating Division (PRCD) of the Information Services Department (ISD) partnered with Babykaafo, a Ghanaian Social Enterprise, to highlight and intensify its commitment to the fight against breast cancer and the urgency for shared responsibility of all stakeholders. The session was led by Mr. Joseph Narnor, the Chief Executive Officer of Babykaafo, who reminded participants that despite decades of campaigns, breast cancer
continues to pose a major threat to women’s health in Ghana.
According to Mr. Nanor, many women overlook the early warning signs of breast cancer such as breast lumps, nipple discharge or visible skin changes due to fear, stigma, or a lack of information.
Men inclusiveness
Mr. Narnor further placed a clarion call on men that they should be included in the breast cancer awareness campaigns since they are often the closest support system for their women, who may be at risk. He therefore called for stronger, more creative campaigns that integrate men into the awareness drive. The initiatives, he crafted as “Men In Arms Against (MIAA the Breast)” aimed to involve husbands, brothers, and male relatives in the fight against breast cancer, recognizing that their support can make a significant difference in encouraging women to go for screening and treatments.
According to Mr. Nanor, despite the challenges, breast cancer survivors in Ghana are emerging as powerful advocates for awareness and hope. Their testimonies serve as living proof that cancer is not a death sentence .
Survival rates
He cited one survivor, who has lived cancer-free for 16 years, who strongly encourages women to conduct monthly self-breast examinations and to undergo clinical screenings. Such voices are critical in dispelling myths, reducing fear, and motivating women to seek help early.
Financial and logistical barriers
While awareness is growing, significant barriers remain. Access to treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is costly and often unavailable, especially in rural communities. Many patients are forced to travel long distances to access specialized care in urban centers.
A Call To Action
Speaking at the session,Rev. Mrs. Charlotte Hanson, the Public Relations Coordinating Divisionn Information Services Department (ISD) emphasized that awareness should not be confined to the symbolic observance of Breast Cancer Month. Instead, it should translate into longterm behavior change. She added that the Public Relations Officers are to take the message beyond the knowledge sharing platform into their workplaces, churches, and communities. “Awareness is the first step to saving lives,” she noted, underlining that information must lead to action.
The interactive session ended with contributions from PROs across Ghana and even missions abroad. Participants collectively agreed on the need for more inclusive awareness strategies, wider access to affordable screening, and sustained campaigns to eliminate stigma.
The writer is the Head of PRCD of the ISD
Email: chattyhanson@yahoo.com
