Pink October, an internationally accepted phrase for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sends a strong signal and reminds women most especially about the importance of knowing their breast status.
Observed annually throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month seeks to impress upon women (and men), the need to screen their breasts routinely to detect the disease at a treatable stage before it becomes deadly.
It also sought to increase awareness of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as give palliative care for women suffering from the disease.
The global theme for 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for about 25 per cent of all cancer cases and affects over 2.3 million women globally each year.
According to GLOBOCAN, Ghana in 2022 recorded 5,026 cases of breast cancer with associated 2,369 deaths, representing an increase in the number of cases recorded in 2020 to 4,482.
In Ghana, it is estimated that one in 22 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Even though October, is globally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for many women and families, the fight against the disease is year-round.
Exhausting chemotherapy sessions, Multiple surgeries, and sleepless nights filled with anxiety and uncertainty have led many women barreling breast cancer to their early graves.
Despite these challenges, some survivors have found strength in support networks, family, friends, and fellow survivors.
Behind the above statistics, women struggle to access early detection and treatment, families are facing financial ruin due to medical expenses, and communities lack awareness and education.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), as part of its measures, has called on countries to throughout the period to highlight the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis.
It also appealed for comprehensive treatment and the need to provide support for persons with lived experience, including through patient navigation, provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to review progress, reflect and renew commitments in tackling the disease and build momentum to address the existing disparities and challenges in access to breast cancer care.
Health experts say to combat breast cancer effectively, however, Ghana needs to increase funding for research and early detection programmes.
They also called on the government to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare and promote awareness and education, especially in underserved communities.
GNA
