Gender
BSoG calls for end to Breast Cancer stigma
Dr. Josephine Nsaful, executive member, BSoG
The Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG) is advocating an end to the stigmatisation of breast cancer patients and survivors, emphasising the need for increased awareness and education.
This call was made at the launch of the society’s breast cancer awareness month, dubbed ‘Pinktober,’ held in Accra last Friday.
An executive member of BSoG, Dr Josephine Nsaful, stressed that the initiative was crucial in ensuring that individuals battling breast cancer were not left alone during their difficult journey.
She stated that breast cancer affects over 2.3 million women globally, making it essential to raise awareness and intensify educational efforts to save more lives.
“Stop the stigmatisation and educate more people to seek early care,” Dr Nsaful said, urging churches and community groups to play a role in educating the public about the disease.
She said breast cancer was not a spiritual ailment and can be effectively treated if detected early.
“Early detection saves lives,” she noted.
Dr Nsaful expressed concern about women losing their lives to a disease that is treatable, leaving behind families and children, and stressed the importance of early medical intervention.
She added that it was unacceptable and tragic that women were dying when there were available treatments that could save them.
The President of BSoG, Dr Hannah Ayettey Anie, also called for intensified efforts to dispel myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.
She lamented that many women refused medical treatment due to false beliefs about the disease, often resorting to ineffective methods, only to seek medical help when it is too late for a cure.
Dr Anie urged everyone to support initiatives aimed at ending the stigma surrounding breast cancer, as it prevents many from seeking timely care.
She reiterated that overcoming these misconceptions and educating the public would go a long way in improving breast cancer outcomes in the country.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary of BSoG, Mrs Georgina Kumah-Dzagah, encouraged breast cancer survivors to come forward and share their stories, highlighting their survival as evidence that breast cancer was not a death sentence.
According to her, these personal accounts would serve as encouragement for others battling the disease and foster hope among patients.
The launch of ‘Pinktober’ aims to continue raising awareness and promoting education on breast cancer to save more lives and eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease.
By Raissa Sambou