Women have been advised to seek multiple medical opinions on any abnormality detected around the breast until the possibility of cancer is ruled out.
Journalist and Breast Cancer Awareness Advocate, Ms Raissa Sambou, who gave the advice, said, poor health seeking behaviours among Ghanaians largely contributed to the late detection of breast cancer which remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the country.
Latest data from health experts indicates that over 4,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Ghana with almost half of them dying from the disease.
Speaking at a forum on breast cancer held by the Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation (NTC), in Accra, Ms Sambou said; “breast cancer is not a disease you can afford to be careless about. Once you detect any symptom you are uncomfortable with around your breast, seek prompt medical attention and don’t wait.”
“No doctor knows your body better than yourself so if you seek attention and still in doubt, seek a second opinion. If you have doubts, seek another until you are sure you are not exposed to breast cancer because early detection saves life,” she advised.
The breast cancer survivor and 2020 Most Promising Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) award recipient, expressed worry about the low knowledge of some healthcare professionals about breast cancer, often leading to misdiagnosis and worsening the disease in women.
She called for continuous education on the disease while urging women to take self-breast- examination and periodic testing seriously to avoid exposure or ensure early treatment.
“Don’t be scared when diagnosed of breast cancer. There is treatment and you can survive the disease once you go through the appropriate procedures.”
Ms Sambou however implored government to increase funding for breast cancer care to encourage more patients to stay on treatment.
“The huge cost of treatment for breast cancer is sending many patients to their early graves. Most women cannot afford the cost of mammogram, biopsy, radiology, pathology among other treatment regime due to financial constraints and government must increase support to the condition to help save lives.”
The Acting Editor of the Spectator, Mrs Georgina Quaitoo, encouraged women to regularly check their breasts to know their cancer status.
“If you check early, the better, to prevent any cancerous lump from growing into a worst stage and if there is nothing there, the safer it is for you. Let us take breast examination seriously,” she urged
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
