She indicated that while the disease was rare in men, they were also diagnosed with the disease and, therefore, urged men to also conduct self-examination for early detection.

Mrs Bawumia was speaking at a breast cancer awareness campaign organised by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project (SEHP), in collaboration with the women's wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Cape Coast in the Central Region last Monday.

She appealed for the removal of all forms of stigma against survivors of breast cancer.

Rather, she advocated emotional, psychological and material support for survivors to live their lives.

“Every diagnosis is not just a number, but a personal story of faith, fear, pain and perseverance but most importantly, of courage and hope.

She commended the advocates and caregivers for their immense roles in supporting survivors through the journey.

She observed that breast cancer continued to be one of the leading causes of death among women, overtaking cervical cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

"Tragically, many of these cases are diagnosed late when hope is dim and treatment less effective," she stated.

Reducing mortalities

A doctor at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr Reuben Aninkora, said early detection was key to reducing mortalities associated with the disease.

He cautioned against lifestyles such as smoking and excessive alcohol drinking, saying these had been found to increase the risk of the disease.

Ms Vivian Bosompem, a survivor, urged women not to be afraid but to work to accept the realities of the disease and seek treatment in whatever form it comes.

The Central Regional Women's Organiser of the NPP, Charlotte Adwoa Antwi Hagan, said the party was happy to protect women from the fatal consequences of the disease through awareness.

Participants were screened and advised not to throw caution to the wind.