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Women with Breast Cancer Refuse Surgery …for Fear of Losing Romantic Relationship
A lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Dr Merri Iddrisu, has revealed that many women hesitate to undergo surgery for breast cancer because of the fear that the removal of one or both breasts may alter their romantic relationships and affect how their partners perceive them.
However, she said the condition, though a difficult one, must not end one’s romantic relationship and urged men to support women in this regard.
“Love does not end when the breast is gone. With understanding and support, couples can build an even stronger bond,” she emphasised.
She made the disclosure in an interview with The Spectator on the sidelines of the 25th anniversary annual symposium of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), held at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), University of Ghana, Legon.
It was organised on the theme: “From Genes to Generations: Family Heredity and Breast Cancer Risk.”
Dr Iddrisu explained that the breast is not just a biological feature but a symbol of femininity, intimacy, and confidence — elements that shape a woman’s sense of self within her marriage.
“When a woman loses her breast, she is not only fighting cancer but also dealing with the emotional pain of feeling incomplete or undesirable. Many fear their husbands will no longer see them attractive,” she elaborated.
She noted that some women struggle with self-image and intimacy after mastectomy, leading to strained relationships and emotional withdrawal.
“If the husband still finds his wife beautiful, even with scars, and continues to show affection, the woman becomes stronger emotionally. But when the husband distances himself, it deepens her pain,” she added.
On that note, the expert stressed the need for men to be actively involved in their wives’ treatment journey, as emotional and psychological support from partners significantly impacts recovery.
“When a woman is diagnosed, we must treat not just the woman but the entire family, which includes the husband, children, and even colleagues. The husband especially needs guidance to understand the physical and emotional effects of treatment,” she explained.
Moreover, she encouraged couples to explore breast reconstruction or prosthetic options if needed, saying such steps can help restore confidence and intimacy.
According to her, open communication, acceptance, and counselling can help couples overcome the emotional hurdles that come with breast cancer treatment.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
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Mrs Patience Antonio, a Child and Family Development Advocate, has called for a national campaign to reduce the growing reliance on breast milk substitutes among nursing mothers in Ghana.
According to Mrs Antonio, scientific evidence shows that breastfeeding improves a child’s emotional stability, boosts intelligence, strengthens the immune system, and provides long-term health benefits. She made these remarks in an interview with The Spectator in Accra last week, emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding for a child’s overall development.
She explained that breastfeeding is not just a biological act of feeding but a key emotional and developmental bridge between mother and child. She also highlighted the need for the recommended six-month maternity leave period to ease the pressure on mothers to return to work prematurely.
“Breastfeeding creates intimacy and trust. It assures the baby of love and security, which becomes the foundation for their emotional health,” Mrs Antonio noted, warning that abandoning exclusive breastfeeding could have long-term implications on children’s social and emotional wellbeing.
Consequently, she called for a minimum of five months of fully paid maternity leave for Ghanaian mothers to enable effective breastfeeding, bonding, and healthier child development. She also urged workplaces to implement family-friendly policies, including private spaces for breastfeeding, flexible working arrangements for nursing mothers, and stronger support systems for new parents.
Mrs Antonio further encouraged families and society to actively support mothers during breastfeeding, stressing that many women struggle due to lack of assistance at home or the pressure to return to work too soon. She emphasized, “If we want a healthier, emotionally stable generation, then we must make breastfeeding a priority and support mothers to do it without stress.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Spectator
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The Nanvili Community School in the Mion District of the Northern Region is facing severe infrastructural challenges, affecting teaching and learning for pupils in the area.
The school, which serves five surrounding communities with a total of 58 pupils, has deteriorated to the extent that many children have stopped attending classes. Poor classroom conditions and the lack of desks have made teaching and learning difficult. During a visit to the school, the gate-free classrooms were found filled with goat and sheep droppings.
During the rainy season, both teachers and pupils are often cut off from the school due to bad roads and flooding. Teaching activities are frequently suspended for weeks, negatively affecting academic performance.
The Assemblyman for the area, Mr. Dawuni Mutawakil, expressed concern, noting that the situation is worrying since these pupils are expected to compete with their counterparts in urban areas who have access to better facilities. He added that due to limited space, classes have been merged, with pupils from Primary One and Two, Three and Four, and Five and Six sharing the same classrooms.
The Chief of Nanvili, Abu Kassim, also appealed to the government and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the community. He emphasized that the current state of the school discourages children from nearby communities from attending.
Both the Chief and Assemblyman have called for urgent intervention to improve infrastructure and provide furniture for the pupils to ensure quality education for children in the Nanvili area.
By Geoffrey Buta, Nanvili, Northern Region
Spectator
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