Six Degrees Africa has officially launched "The Tatas Festival", a new breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at promoting sustained public education and advocacy beyond the traditional focus on the month of October.

Although the specific dates for the festival are yet to be announced, the launch event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and breast cancer survivors to highlight the need for continuous engagement on breast health, early detection, and survivor support in Ghana.

Speakers at the launch underscored both the personal and systemic dimensions of breast cancer awareness.

Joycelyn D Yaokumah, a critical care nurse and breast cancer survivor, shared her experience from diagnosis through recovery. She stressed the importance of early detection, mental resilience, and timely medical intervention in improving survival outcomes.

Drawing from both her professional and personal journey, she encouraged women to prioritise regular screening and proactive healthcare.

Also addressing the gathering was Lovelace B Kwadzo Edzor, Deputy CEO of The Health Project and Parliamentary Health Coordinator for the Madina Constituency.

He conveyed institutional support for the initiative and noted that the Member of Parliament for Madina had expressed enthusiasm about the project. According to him, the campaign aligns with ongoing local health priorities focused on preventive care and community education.

The Tatas Festival is being driven by the Six Degrees Plugs initiative, a network established to strengthen community engagement efforts. The initiative seeks to build a group of ambassadors capable of mobilising people within their respective communities and translating awareness goals into practical action.

Organisers say the objective is to ensure that conversations around breast cancer prevention, screening, and survivor care remain active throughout the year rather than being limited to seasonal campaigns.

“The Tatas Festival is about breaking the silence and the stigma. By bringing together voices like Joycelyn’s and the support of leaders like Edzor, we are building a community where no one has to fight this battle alone,” a representative stated at the launch.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting women globally, and health advocates continue to emphasise the importance of early detection and accessible screening services as critical tools in reducing mortality rates.