Mrs. Louisa Yayra Ahiabu, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, has urged the public to provide support to women battling breast cancer, rather than stigmatize them.
This support would empower them to seek early treatment, improve their well-being, and achieve positive outcomes.
Mrs. Ahiabu, who is also the Senior Human Resources Manager at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, gave the advice whilst recounting her breast cancer journey with members of the Ghana Muslim Mission as part of the Best Cancer Awareness Month.
She stated that individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment required financial, spiritual, psychological, and mental support from family, friends, and the community to improve their well-being.
“We need support and not stigmatization. When someone is going through breast cancer, that is where the community, family, and friends need to rally behind the person.
“Because at this time, the person’s mental health is not okay. So, we need love, we need support so that the person can survive. Research has shown that when you are going through this, and you have the support, people survive, and the outcomes are great,” she stated.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, accounting for about 25 percent of all cancer cases and affecting over 2.3 million women globally each year.
According to GLOBOCAN, Ghana recorded 5,026 cases of breast cancer in 2022, resulting in 2,369 deaths, marking an increase from 4,482 cases in 2020.
In Ghana, it is estimated that one in 22 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
The global theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 is “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage behavior change, facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships, support the national adoption of prevention and early detection strategies, promote patient support, and address disparities.
Mrs. Ahiabu emphasised that breast cancer could be effectively treated when detected early and encouraged women to regularly examine their breasts for any changes.
“Do not fear going to the hospital when diagnosed with breast cancer because late presentation may cost your life,” she added.
Mrs. Ahiabu encouraged men to help their wives with regular breast examinations.
She also warned against using herbal remedies for potential breast cancer, stressing that such actions could result in preventable deaths.
Source: GNA
