Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, the CEO of Breast Care International, is calling on women to dispel myths surrounding breast cancer, including beliefs that it is caused by evil spirits and can only be treated through prayer camps and shrines.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency ahead of the 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Dr. Wiafe-Addai emphasized that such myths have contributed to unnecessary deaths among patients.
Dr. Wiafe-Addai stressed that breast cancer and related conditions are treatable if detected early. The theme for this year's awareness week is “Your Breast: Your Health,” which aims to increase sensitization about the importance of regular check-ups and screening for early detection and treatment. It also seeks to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
Globally, breast cancer caused 685,000 deaths in 2020, with over 4,000 women diagnosed annually in Ghana, accounting for 31.8 percent of all cancer cases in the country.
Dr. Wiafe-Addai noted that when breast cancer advances, it can spread to other organs and become life-threatening.
She advised women to adopt healthy lifestyles by maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol intake.
Additionally, women should not hesitate to seek medical treatment if they notice any abnormalities in their breasts and should conduct regular breast self-examination to detect any unusual growth early.
Madam Vivian Sarfo, the President of Peace and Love Breast Cancer Survivors, also encouraged men not to abandon their wives if they are diagnosed with breast cancer but to support them in seeking treatment.
She shared her experience as a breast cancer survivor and urged women with breast lumps to seek early treatment.
Breast Cancer Awareness Week plays a crucial role in educating the public about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and breaking down misconceptions surrounding the disease.
- Reporting by Dorothy Frances Ward: Editing by Adewale Adejoke