Linda Baafi says 15 Ghanaian women are diagnosed with breast cancer daily

An estimated 15 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Ghana, with nearly seven losing their lives to the disease daily. Dr. Linda Baafi, representing the Korle Klottey Municipal Health Directorate, revealed these statistics during the launch of the Breast Health Awareness Campaign on October 22. She highlighted that breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Ghanaian women, a situation exacerbated by a high rate of late reporting at health facilities.

According to Dr. Baafi, the primary challenge in reducing mortality is the advanced stage at which many patients seek medical attention. She emphasized that early detection is the most effective tool for survival, stating that nearly 100% of cases can be treated successfully if they are identified early. The Health Directorate is therefore intensifying its call for regular screenings and self-examinations to ensure that women can access life-saving interventions before the disease progresses.

In addition to medical awareness, the campaign is advocating for better social support systems for those affected. Dr. Baafi called on employers to show compassion by supporting staff members who are undergoing treatment, specifically urging them to allow these employees to retain their full salaries during their recovery. This holistic approach aims to reduce the financial and psychological stress on patients, facilitating a more effective recovery process and encouraging more women to come forward for testing.