Gender
Data on awareness, late presentation of breast cancer cases worrying — Frimpong-Manso Institute
Rev Prof Paul Frimpong-Manso
The Frimpong-Manso Institute has described as worrying prevailing data showing the gap in awareness and late presentation of cases at healthcare facilities by breast cancer patients.
It said most women in Ghana present breast cancer at advanced stages (III or IV), largely due to lack of awareness, cultural beliefs (beliefs in traditional medicine) and limited access to healthcare facilities.
In a statement copied to The Spectator, it stated that the delay in the detection and treatment of breast cancer had greatly reduced the survival rates of patients, adding that the high cost of diagnosis and treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy presents a significant barrier for many women.
It said even though the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana covers some aspects of cancer care, there persists a significant gap in financing the management of the condition.
It said breast cancer was a significant public health concern in Ghana, as it is in many parts of the world with ongoing efforts to improve detection, treatment and survival outcomes.
According to the Institute, in 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimated that Ghana reported around 4,600 new cases of breast cancer, with a mortality rate of approximately 2,055 deaths annually.
“This type of cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed among women with increasing incidence due to several factors, including lifestyle changes, urbanisation and improved detection methods,” it added.
It said in Ghana, breast cancer tends to affect younger women with many cases diagnosed in women under 50, unlike women in developed countries.
On treatment, options for breast cancer patients in Ghana include surgery, chemotherapy and somewhat limited radiotherapy and hormonal therapies saying there was growing recognition of the need for palliative care, especially for patients with advanced-stage cancer.
Notwithstanding, it said, there were still ongoing efforts to improve care for breast cancer patients.
“Both government and NGOs continue to engage communities on awareness of the disease through media campaigns and community outreach programmes,” it added.
It added that efforts were being made to train healthcare professionals, improve diagnostic tools, and build infrastructure geared towards breast cancer care.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu