Fear, misinformation and stigma preventing breast cancer victims from seeking early healthcare

Samuel Yao Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, on Friday stated that fear, misinformation and stigma were preventing people affected by breast cancer from seeking early healthcare.

The others, he said, were financial difficulties and limited access to healthcare services.

Atidzah stated this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Ho as part of this year’s World Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebration.

World Breast Cancer Awareness Month was instituted by the American Cancer Society in partnership with the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, now AstraZeneca, in October 1985 and is celebrated every year in October.

It is intended to increase global awareness, encourage early detection and support people affected by the disease.

This year’s celebration is on the theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters.”

Atidzah therefore called on families and communities to create supportive environments where people could openly discuss breast health issues and seek medical attention without shame, blame or discrimination.

“Communities must stand beside those affected by the disease with compassion, practical support and hope,” he said.

He urged religious leaders to use their pulpits to promote accurate breast cancer information and help eliminate stigma.

He also said health professionals should continue strengthening public education, early detection and referral services.

The Executive Director noted that the media should also use their powerful platforms to disseminate accurate, responsible and life-saving information to the people.

He also called on the government, development partners, NGOs and private sector organisations to invest in breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research and equitable access to healthcare.

“Let us build a culture in the country where people will prioritise their health, seek care early and support one another throughout the cancer journey.

“Health education, community engagement and collective action are essential to building healthier and resilient communities,” he said.

Atidzah stated that breast cancer was not only a health issue but also a family and community issue.

He intimated that the impact of the disease could be devastating when diagnosis and treatment were delayed, but early detection could significantly improve treatment options and outcomes.

“This makes awareness creation, regular breast health checks and timely medical attention extremely important,” he stated.

Atidzah encouraged women to become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and report any unusual changes promptly to a qualified health professional.

He said changes might include lumps or swelling, changes in breast size or shape, skin colour changes, nipple abnormalities or unusual discharge from the breast.

He advised them not to ignore any changes, wait for pain, or be afraid or ashamed to seek help.

The Executive Director noted that although breast cancer was much less common among men, it could occur in men, and he urged them to report any unusual breast or nipple changes for medical assessment.

“Men should not erroneously assume that breast cancer affects only women; it can happen to men too,” he stressed.

He said breast cancer awareness should go hand in hand with appropriate clinical screening and professional medical advice.

Mr Atidzah stated that as Ghana joined the global community to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it behoved individuals, families, communities, health professionals, civil society organisations, the media and policymakers to renew their collective commitment to preventing breast cancer, promoting early detection and supporting people affected by the disease.