Breast cancer cases are rising globally, including in Ghana. Many women are reluctant to discuss their symptoms or seek medical assistance due to fears of stigma and judgment, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Dr Mervin Agyeman, a clinical oncologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is working on new access programs to make breast cancer treatment more accessible to the average Ghanaian.
According to Dr Agyeman, there is still a lot of fear and stigma associated with cancer in Africa, because "once you say cancer, it means that it is equal to death", he said. This misconception can deter women from seeking necessary care. However, he believes that improved access to medical treatment will lead to more patients achieving positive outcomes, which will help eliminate some of the stigmatization that these patients face.
Dr. Agyeman emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment that encourages women to seek medical attention without fear of being judged. He suggests that sharing success stories of breast cancer survivors could help dispel persistent myths about the disease and provide hope for women. Elsie S., a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate, also highlights the urgency of early detection. She stresses that women must prioritize their health and regularly check their breasts. "The average Ghanaian woman diagnosed with breast cancer faces a lot of stress, but the sooner we are aware of it, the sooner we can help," she noted.
In Ghana, the breast cancer survival rate is around 50%, compared to 90% in high-income countries. In high-income countries, there is one oncologist for every 256 new cancer cases. In contrast, Dr Agyeman points out that Ghana has fewer than 30 oncologists and only three cancer centres to serve a population of 33 million people.
Ghana was one of the first five countries to receive medicines and vaccines through Pfizer's Accord for a Healthier World. Dr Agyeman noted that this initiative allows many patients to access branded medications at a reasonable cost, which is a positive development for the average Ghanaian. Through the Accord, Pfizer provides a full portfolio of medicines and vaccines, on a not-for-profit basis, to 1.2 billion people living in 45 lower-income countries worldwide.