Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed and 670,000 deaths recorded in 2022.

Tragically, 70% of breast cancer-related deaths occur in resource-constrained regions.

Health system limitations, patient-level barriers, and low levels of awareness contribute to reduced early detection, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes.

In many resource-constrained settings, breast cancer affects a younger population, leading to premature mortality and creating maternal orphans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

On October 30, the NUFU Foundation, led by Dr. Lily Paemka, in partnership with WACCBIP and other supporters, held a breast cancer screening program at the University of Ghana-Legon’s Banking Square.

The event, aimed at raising awareness to reduce breast cancer mortality, focused on three pillars: health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer screening.

Dr. Lily Paemka, founder of NUFUfest, a Molecular Geneticist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana-Legon’s Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, and Deputy Director (Research and Entrepreneurship) at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), emphasised that breast cancer mortality rates are disproportionately high in Sub-Saharan Africa.



“We are addressing the issues of breast cancer through public engagement, educating both genders to perform monthly breast checks to detect any signs of the disease early,” Dr. Paemka stated.



"Breast cancer incidence among Ghanaian women is partly due to low awareness and limited education on the subject," she explained.



"We aim for women to become more breast-aware to detect abnormalities early. Early detection is essential in breast cancer treatment; awareness helps women recognize any unusual changes early on."

The outreach also garnered support from the University of Ghana’s leadership. Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, applauded Dr. Paemka and the NUFU Foundation for organizing the screening initiative.

"The WACCBIP and the University of Ghana are proud of this initiative aimed at creating awareness around breast health for both men and women,” he commented.

Through initiatives like this, the NUFU Foundation and its partners hope to significantly reduce breast cancer-related mortality by promoting awareness, early detection, and timely treatment in Ghana and beyond.