Breast Cancer Awareness Month launched: 2,695 women die from breast cancer annually - Dr Ann-Dadzie
Health officials in Ghana have launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting that 2,695 women die from the disease annually in the country. Experts emphasize that late diagnosis is the primary barrier to effective treatment.
Why it matters
The report underscores the critical need for early detection and improved healthcare infrastructure to combat high mortality rates in developing nations.
About 5,000 cases of breast cancer are recorded in the country every year, with an estimated 2,695 women dying from the disease.
Also, about 70 per cent of breast cancer patients present themselves at health facilities at advanced stages, making treatment a challenge.
A Senior Specialist in Radiation and Clinical Oncology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Mary Ann-Dadzie, disclosed this at the launch of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pinktober in Accra, on the theme: “Early action, better outcomes.”
She said the average age at diagnosis was 49, meaning that many of the women affected were in the prime of their lives, building careers and families.
“The real enemy here is lateness. Because once it's found late, it's harder to treat. The treatment is longer,” she said.
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