Breast Cancer Survival Exceeds 90% When Detected Early – Breast Society

As Ghana joins the world to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2026, the Breast Society of Ghana is calling on women to prioritise breast screening, stressing that early detection can save lives.

In its Pinktober 2026 message themed “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” the Society said breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women in Ghana.

The statement was signed by its President, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia.

The Society expressed concern that too many women still report to hospital when the disease is already advanced and no longer curable, even though early breast cancer is curable and Ghana has the modalities to treat it.

According to the Society, the survival rate of early breast cancer treated in Ghana is over 90 percent, comparable to outcomes in developed countries. The presence of survivors in communities across the country, it said, is evidence that successful treatment is possible.

Despite available capacity, late diagnosis remains a major challenge. When diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment becomes limited, prolonged and more expensive, with poor survival outcomes.

The Society attributed the delay to limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers and delays within the healthcare system.

It said early action begins with recognising that breast cancer can affect anyone, mostly women but also some men, and that symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge, changes in breast shape or size, skin changes or any persistent abnormality should never be ignored.

The best way to diagnose early, it said, is through screening before symptoms develop, and it urged all women to take advantage of free primary healthcare and present themselves for screening.

The Society also called for myths to be confronted, saying no woman should delay care because of fear of losing her breast, fear of chemotherapy, belief that it is a spiritual curse, or reliance on unproven remedies.

It urged families and communities to support rather than stigmatize patients, and called on the media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society and community leaders to promote accurate information.

It further called on healthcare professionals to assess, investigate and refer clients with breast symptoms promptly, and for every diagnosed person to have access to evidence-based, patient-centred care.

“Because early action can lead to earlier diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis can expand treatment options. Timely treatment can achieve a cure and improve survival outcomes,” the Society stated.

A Daily Guide Report

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