Have you ever paused to check your breasts and wondered what you would do if you felt a lump? Have you thought about when you last went for screening, or if you even knew where to go for the screening? For many women, these simple questions carry fear, uncertainty, and sometimes silence.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer, and reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring every woman has access to the care she needs to survive and thrive.
This year, the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters” reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a woman’s story of courage, resilience, and hope. No two journeys are the same. For some, it begins with early detection, leading to healing. For others, it is marked by delayed diagnosis, financial struggle, or limited access to care. Yet in every journey lies the power of compassion, community, and collective action.
The Global Challenge
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally. In 2022 alone, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and 670,000 lost their lives. These figures represent more than statistics; they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends whose lives and dreams were tragically cut short.
If this trend continues, breast cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase by nearly 40% by 2050. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated global action, because a woman’s chance of survival should never depend on where she lives.
The Reality in Ghana
In Ghana, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Too often, women are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment is more complex, expensive, and less effective. Fear, stigma, misinformation, and limited access to screening services continue to hinder early detection and timely care.
In many rural and underserved communities, some women have never undergone a clinical breast examination or are unaware that such services even exist. Families are left to bear the heavy emotional and financial toll, often traveling long distances to access specialized treatment.
To remedy this, Ghana must invest in comprehensive breast health education, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and establish accessible screening and referral networks that reach women regardless of where they live. Ghana must also foster a culture that empowers women to speak openly about breast health, free from stigma, fear, or shame.
ARHR’s Call to Action
At ARHR, we believe that health equity is a right, not a privilege. Every woman, regardless of geography, income, or background, deserves access to timely, quality, and affordable healthcare.
Through our advocacy for gender-responsive primary healthcare systems, ARHR continues to push for stronger community health structures, accountable service delivery, and improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, including breast and cervical cancer care.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ARHR joins the global community to:
- Encourage women to prioritize self-examination and regular screening.
- Urge health authorities to expand breast cancer services across all regions.
- Promote public education campaigns against stigma and misinformation.
- Support survivors and families with compassion and dignity.
Every story is unique, and every journey matters. Together, let’s ensure that early detection, quality care, and survival become a reality for every woman, no matter her geographical location.
