Korle Klottey Health Directorate reports 15 daily breast cancer diagnoses

The Korle Klottey Municipal Health Directorate has revealed that approximately 15 women in Ghana are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, resulting in an estimated seven deaths daily. Speaking during the launch of a Breast Health Awareness Campaign, health officials highlighted the severity of the disease, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the country. The statistics underscore an urgent need for increased public awareness and proactive health-seeking behavior among women nationwide to combat the rising fatality rates.

Dr. Linda Baafi, representing the health directorate, emphasized that the high mortality rate is primarily attributed to late reporting at medical facilities. Many patients seek professional help only when the disease has reached advanced stages, which significantly reduces the efficacy of medical interventions. Dr. Baafi noted that breast cancer is not an inevitable death sentence; medical data suggests that nearly 100 percent of cases detected in their initial stages can be treated successfully. This shift toward early diagnosis is considered the most critical factor in improving survival outcomes.

Beyond clinical intervention, the health directorate called for a broader societal support system for those battling the illness. Dr. Baafi specifically urged employers to be compassionate toward staff members undergoing treatment, recommending that they ensure such employees retain their full salaries during their recovery periods. By reducing the financial and social burdens associated with the disease, health officials believe more women will be encouraged to undergo regular screenings and complete their treatment regimens without the fear of losing their livelihoods.