The Breast Society of Ghana has urged women to prioritise early breast cancer screening and prompt medical attention, warning that delayed diagnosis significantly reduces treatment options and survival chances.
The Society made the call as it announced its theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pinktober, 2026: “Early Action, Better Outcomes.”
According to the Society, breast cancer remains a major health challenge in Ghana and is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women.
It said while early breast cancer is curable, many patients continue to seek treatment when the disease has already advanced, making treatment more prolonged, expensive and less likely to result in survival.
The Society noted that Ghana has the specialist expertise and treatment facilities needed to manage breast cancer, adding that the country has become a hub for specialist care in the West African subregion.
It said the survival rate for early breast cancer treated in Ghana is above 90%, comparable to outcomes in developed countries.
However, the Society expressed concern that many survivors are unable to openly share their experiences because of the stigma associated with the disease.
It identified limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial difficulties, geographical barriers and delays within the healthcare system as some of the factors contributing to late diagnosis and treatment.
The Society urged women not to ignore breast symptoms such as lumps, nipple discharge, changes in the shape or size of the breast, skin changes or any persistent abnormality.
It, however, stressed that the best opportunity for early diagnosis is through breast screening before symptoms develop.
The Breast Society of Ghana is therefore encouraging women to take advantage of free primary healthcare services and access breast screening at health facilities across the country.
It also called for an end to misconceptions that breast cancer is a spiritual curse or that unproven remedies can replace medical treatment.
“No woman should delay seeking medical attention because she is afraid of losing her breast, fears chemotherapy, believes breast cancer is a spiritual curse, or relies solely on unproven remedies,” the Society said.
The Society called on families and communities to support rather than stigmatise people living with breast cancer.
It further urged the media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and community leaders to use their platforms to promote accurate information and encourage early care-seeking.
Healthcare professionals and institutions were also urged to strengthen systems that minimise avoidable delays by promptly assessing, investigating and referring patients with breast symptoms.
The Society referenced the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative targets established in 2021, which seek to have at least 60% of breast cancers diagnosed at an early stage, complete diagnosis within 60 days, and ensure that 80% of diagnosed patients complete treatment.
It said achieving these targets would require a collective effort from individuals, families, communities, religious bodies, healthcare institutions, policymakers and government agencies.
The Society said early action could lead to earlier diagnosis, which in turn could expand treatment options and improve the chances of cure and survival.
“Early Action. Better Outcomes. The time to act is now,” the Society said.
The message was signed by the President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia.
Read the statement below:
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