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A clinical oncologist, Dr Edwina Ayaaba Ayavilah has called on the government to provide strategic support and investment to expand radiotherapy facilities nationwide in the battle against breast cancer.
She emphasized that cultural beliefs often hinder timely medical care, advocating for ongoing, year-round awareness campaigns and localized research to better understand cancer trends in Ghana and across Africa.
Dr. Ayavilah was speaking at the "Blossoms of Hope" breast cancer awareness event organized by Goldkey Properties and the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) in Accra on Thursday, October 24.
The event aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer, focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
Held at Cantonments City Green Park and supported by Blue Skies Ghana LTD, "Blossoms of Hope" included a panel discussion, free breast cancer screenings conducted by Impact Medical and Diagnostic Centre, and a networking session.
Goldkey Properties, developers of award-winning residential, commercial and mixed-use spaces in Accra, hosted the “Blossoms of Hope”, in partnership with the UKGCC to also empower and inspire survivors.
Dr Ayavilah was speaking during the panel discussion on "Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of Breast Cancer Care," where she said: “We currently have limited resources, and many patients cannot access necessary treatment due to financial and geographical barriers. Increasing access to radiotherapy is crucial if we are to improve survival outcomes, especially for underserved regions.”
She urged women to regularly check their breasts for any abnormalities, highlighting that breast cancer is not a death sentence when diagnosed early. She emphasized that routine self-exams and screenings are vital for identifying potential issues before they advance.
“Knowing what to look out for and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Early detection signs can include noticeable changes in the breast or surrounding areas,” she explained.
“The time at which you have your menarche—that’s your first menstrual cycle—affects your risk of breast cancer. You can’t control this, just as you can’t control when you enter menopause,” she said.
“We need to build our own data and insights to know what works best for Ghanaian patients. Collaboration with transparent, impactful organisations is essential to achieving this,” she said.
Head of the Commercial Business Unit at Goldkey Properties LTD., Justine Koblavie expressed her company’s pride in organizing the event, noting that raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting early detection align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3—Good Health and Well-being.
“By organising the "Blossoms of Hope" event, Goldkey Properties is also able to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, employee well-being, and community health, ultimately benefiting business and the wider community”, she added.
For her part, the Executive Director of the UKGCC, Adjoba Kyiamah, remarked that she was “inspired by the amazing stories of strength and survival shared at the event.”
She praised the panel for effectively communicating the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment options for breast cancer, urging everyone to prioritize their health and undergo regular screenings.
Breast cancer survivor and advocate Mrs. Gina Kumah-Dzagah, who fought the disease for over two years, shared her dedication to advocacy by recounting her journey and ensuring that other women receive the support they need.
“After my treatment, I became dedicated to helping others navigate this journey. I sew artificial breast prostheses to ensure that no woman in Ghana has to worry about post-surgery self-image concerns or resort to inadequate alternatives,” she shared.
She also emphasized the need to destigmatize cancer and enhance public education to combat misinformation surrounding breast cancer.
“Before my diagnosis, I believed that October awareness was just noise. But lack of awareness almost cost me my life. Please, know the signs and symptoms, and if you detect anything unusual, go to the hospital immediately. Early detection and timely, effective treatment are key to survival,” she added.
