Don’t stigmatise breast cancer patient

Dr Rita Appiah Danquah, a Clinical Psychologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, says society must not define breast cancer patients by their diagnosis but to recognise them as individuals with dignity, personal choices, hopes and aspirations.

She said breast cancer affected patients’ health, with emotional and social consequences for their confidence, relationships, employment and family life.

Dr Appiah Danquah made the call at a breast cancer awareness forum organised by Medifem Multi-Specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre in partnership with the Dzidula Pink Foundation and the Ghana Aviation Ladies Association.

The forum was held last Thursday in Accra at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) auditorium.

 It was attended by survivors, healthcare professionals and staff of the authority under the theme: ‘real stories. Expert insights. Greater hope.’

It provided a platform for the survivors to share experiences, healthcare professionals to offer insights and stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen breast cancer awareness.

Dr Appiah Danquah explained that the breast was closely associated with femininity, body image, identity and sexuality, making it diagnosis difficult for some women. 

She also elaborated that patients undergoing mastectomy, chemotherapy and other treatments could experience changes in their appearance, fatigue and side effects that affected their confidence and that a diagnosis could trigger fear, anxiety and anger, while survivors might continue to worry about follow-up examinations and the possibility of the disease returning.

She urged families and communities to listen without judgement, respect patients’ choices and ask what support they needed.

She also called for an end to stigma and discrimination, stressing the importance of protecting patients’ privacy.

Beyond emotional support, she emphasised, patients needed practical assistance, including transport to hospitals, financial help, childcare and support with household responsibilities.

Also speaking at the forum, Clinical Oncologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Judith Tackie, underscored the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

She cited figures indicating that Ghana recorded 5,485 new breast cancer cases and 2,695 deaths.

Dr Tackie said warning signs included breast lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, unusual nipple discharge and lumps in the armpit. 

She cautioned that a painless lump could still be cancerous and urged women to seek medical attention after noticing changes.

Furthermore, she explained that diagnosis could involve clinical examinations, mammograms, ultrasound scans and biopsies. Treatment depended on the type, grade and stage of the cancer and could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Dr Tackie identified increasing age, family history and inherited genetic mutations as risk factors. Other factors included alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity and excess body weight.

She encouraged women to be familiar with their breasts, undergo appropriate screening and follow medical advice.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Medifem Multi-Specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre, Dr Richard Banful, reaffirmed his outfit’s dedication to standing with survivors and advancing breast cancer education, early detection, and survivorship.

The hospital presented a cheque for GH₵10,000 to the Dzidula Pink Foundation to support its breast cancer awareness campaign.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu & Adizatu K. Munkaila

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