By Muniratu Akweley Issah
Accra, Oct 24, GNA – Ms Gina Kumah–Dzagah, a Breast Cancer Survivor, has advised Ghanaians against stigmatising persons with breast cancer as the act is more deadly than the disease.
“Stigma is more painful than a surgical wound. It’s more painful than the pain you experience when you are going through treatment.
So anytime you are reacting towards somebody, whether it’s the news, information, or the person right in front of you, ask yourself, if you were in the shoes of that person, how would you want to be treated? Because breast cancer is no respecter of anyone, “she added.
Ms Kuma-Dzagah made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) when she shared her breast cancer journey and challenges as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that can invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
People who suffer from the disease could experience symptoms such as a lump or swelling, changes in the breast’s shape or skin (like dimpling or redness), nipple discharge, and nipple inversion.
Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and medication, and early detection significantly increases the chance of a cure.
Ms Kuma-Dzagah said breast cancer was not contagious, thus stigmatising those who had survived treatment and depriving them of the love and care they deserve caused more harm than good
“To me, breast cancer should be declared a pandemic because it has become so normal. Today it is me tomorrow, it could be you, or anyone.
“So we should all have it in mind. It could be your sister or mother. It does not come as a result of a crime or sin committed by an individual as some churches put it, she added.
Ms Kuma-Dzagah, sharing her professional story, encouraged people battling with cancer not to allow the disease to stop them from achieving what they want to achieve in life.
“History hasn’t stopped me from living my dreams. What I’m doing actively now is supporting those who are still on the journey. I have an NGO that sells artificial breasts for those who have lost their breasts as part of their treatment plan.
All of these motivate me, and for as long as I continue to strengthen others, I feel strengthened every day. Anytime I try to help somebody to find healing, I realise at the end of the day I find my own healing,” she further explained.
She called for more breast cancer screening and self-breast examination even beyond October, especially for persons 40 years and above for early detection.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pink October is observed annually to impress upon women (and men), the need to screen their breasts routinely to detect the disease at a treatable stage before it becomes deadly.
It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for about 25 per cent of all cancer cases and affecting over 2.3 million women globally each year.
According to GLOBOCAN, Ghana in 2022 recorded 5,026 cases of breast cancer with associated 2,369 deaths, representing an increase in the number of cases recorded in 2020 to 4,482.
In Ghana, it is estimated that one in 22 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
The global theme for 2025 awareness is “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” which emphasises the personal nature of the disease and the need for compassionate, equitable, and timely care for everyone.
In Ghana, the theme for this year is “Catch it Early; Treat it Right; Survive it.”
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorli