Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Confronting the Reality of Breast Cancer in Ghana

By Pearlvis Atsu Kuadey, Video Journalist 

As the pink ribbons flutter in the wind, they symbolise more than just awareness—they represent the silent battle fought by thousands of women across Ghana. Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women in the country, casts a long shadow over families and communities. For many, this isn’t just a health issue; it’s a fight for dignity, for survival, and for hope in a society where cultural beliefs, financial hardships, and healthcare limitations converge to make the journey even more painful.

Globally, breast cancer is a widespread challenge. In 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with the disease, with 670,000 deaths. It is the most common cancer in women in 157 countries, and though 99% of cases affect women, men are not immune. About 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men, though treatment follows similar protocols. 
The Ghana Health Service estimates that over 4,600 new cases of breast cancer are reported annually, with around 1,000 women succumbing to the disease every year. Alarmingly, many are diagnosed when the disease has already advanced, and for some, this means the hope of recovery is tragically out of reach.

The Cultural Burden: Fighting Cancer and Myths

In Ghana, where culture and spirituality often shape perceptions of illness, breast cancer is frequently misunderstood. For many women, breast cancer is not just seen as a disease; it is sometimes perceived as a curse or a spiritual attack. These beliefs lead many to turn to traditional healers rather than seeking medical attention in time. This delay in treatment has proven fatal for many. Women who could have been saved are too often lost due to myths and misinformation. “I thought it was a spiritual issue, by the time I realised the hospital was my only option, it was too late,” is a common refrain shared by breast cancer patients.

Survivor Stories: Courage Amidst Fear

Despite the confusion and losses, there are stories of resilience and courage. Comfort Akora, a 32-year-old mother from Accra, is one such example. When she first noticed a lump in her breast, she didn’t give it much thought and sought the help of traditional healers, believing that spiritual intervention would cure her.

“I believed I could cure it spiritually,” she recalls. “But as my condition worsened, I had to face the truth.” She finally sought medical treatment and underwent extensive care. Today, she’s a survivor, dedicated to educating others on early detection. “Cancer is a disease,” she says. “It’s not a curse. It’s something we can fight, but only if we’re willing to seek help.”

Another story comes from Patience Afetorvi, who took care of her mother during her battle with breast cancer. Initially, her family believed the illness was a spiritual punishment. “We thought it was a curse. We prayed and fasted, but we didn’t go to the hospital,” Patience shares with tears in her eyes. “By the time we did, it was almost too late.” Her mother’s experience fuels her mission to dispel the myths that persist in Ghanaian communities.

The Hidden Scars: Breast Cancer’s Emotional Toll

Beyond the physical scars of surgery and chemotherapy, breast cancer leaves emotional wounds that often go unspoken. For many women, the loss of a breast isn’t just a surgical procedure—it’s a blow to their identity. In a society that places significant value on the female form, losing a breast can feel like losing a part of one’s womanhood.
Many women with breast cancer also struggle with depression, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. The fear of recurrence, the trauma of treatment, and the societal pressure to appear “whole” can make recovery seem out of reach. Yet, during these emotional challenges, there are stories of strength. Survivors like Comfort and Patience show us that breast cancer isn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming life, piece by piece.

Barriers to Treatment: Why Many Women Are Left Behind

For many women in Ghana, the battle against breast cancer is made worse by barriers that should not exist. The stigma surrounding the disease leads some women to hide their symptoms or dismiss them as minor. In rural areas, the situation is dire, with limited access to mammograms and other screening services. According to the World Health Organisation, only 20% of women in Ghana have access to mammography, which means that for many, cancer is detected far too late. The financial burden of cancer treatment is another significant challenge. While government programs aim to subsidise treatment, many women find themselves overwhelmed by medical costs. For these women, the choice often comes down to survival or financial ruin—an impossible decision no one should have to make.

This situation reflects the broader reality of breast cancer around the world. While every country experiences it, those with weaker healthcare systems face more severe consequences. In Ghana, 58.2% of breast cancer cases affect women below the age of 50, and the lack of concrete policies to address these challenges is glaring. The National Health Insurance Authority claims breast cancer treatment is covered, yet many women struggle to access this care, pointing to the disconnect between government assurances and reality.

A Call to Action: Time for a National Shift

This Pink Month should be a rallying cry for us as a nation to do more. Breast cancer is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a national issue that requires collective action. The stories of survivors like Comfort and Patience remind us that awareness isn’t enough. Real change is needed. We need healthcare systems that prioritise women’s lives, communities that support survivors, and leadership committed to comprehensive solutions.

It is not enough to raise awareness every October and then move on without enacting concrete policies. The Ministry of Health’s National Strategy for Cancer Control, launched in 2015, promised to address rising cancer cases, but little progress has been made. Every year we talk about it, but too often, there’s nothing pragmatic to show for it.
Breaking the Silence, Building Hope

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to break the silence. Too many women have lost their lives due to myths, fear, or lack of care. Every woman deserves access to accurate information, emotional support, and timely medical treatment. Each life lost to breast cancer is a reminder of how much work still lies ahead.

In this fight, every voice matters. Together, we can build a future where no woman has to face breast cancer alone. Now is the time to act because every woman’s life matters, and we owe it to them to fight with everything we have.

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