Dr Robert Amesiya, Greater Accra Regional Director, Ghana Health Service, has encouraged women to regularly screen for breast cancer to ensure early detection and treatment.

He said the capacities and capabilities of health workers had been strengthened to support early detection of breast cancer through clinical examinations.

Dr Amesiya was speaking at a media engagement on Wednesday on the Beat Breast Cancer Project, spearheaded by Jhpiego and funded by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

The project aims to promote continuous public education, accessible screening services, and timely referral for treatment.

Breast cancer, a non-communicable disease, remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Ghana, accounting for 31.8 per cent of all cancer cases recorded among Ghanaian women.

Dr Amesiya highlighted the need to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding breast cancer and urged survivors to share their experiences to encourage other women to seek early medical care.

“When people share such stories, others will realise that if they go for early screening and are diagnosed early, they can also survive,” he said.

He urged families to support women to seek early care and to encourage others to undergo screening to enable early detection of the disease.

Dr Amesiya also advised citizens to advocate, educate and highlight success stories to inspire hope among women and combat stigma associated with breast cancer.

“To our community leaders, we want you to support awareness creation and help break the stigma,” he added.

Mrs Vivian Dwira, the Greater Accra Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, said stigmatisation of breast cancer patients contributed significantly to their mental and financial challenges.

“A lot of people, when they are diagnosed, do not want to come out. They keep it to themselves, and by the time they seek help, it is often too late,” she said.

She encouraged both men and women to visit health facilities regularly for screening and testing.

“As health workers, we encourage that at least once every year, everyone should undergo health screening.” Mrs Dwira said.

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