Ghana Health Service warns against late detection as Trudy Foundation honours breast cancer survivors

Cancer diagnoses in the country remain a major public health concern, with officials warning that between 60 and 70 percent of breast cancer cases are still detected at advanced stages, making treatment more complicated and reducing survival chances.

Programme Manager for the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, described the situation as worrying despite years of sustained awareness campaigns.

“We are still seeing a lot of cases coming in late,” he said. “Some women speak of financial barriers, but breast cancer treatment is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. People should be empowered to visit health centres as soon as they detect a lump; there is life after breast cancer, and when detected early, it is curable,” Dr. Odiko-Ollennu stressed.

The warning came at the maiden edition of The TruCare Experience, an event organised by the Trudy Arnold Foundation in Accra to honour survivors and remember those lost to breast cancer.

Founder Trudy Arnold Boateng said the initiative was born out of a personal tragedy and a desire to help other women.

“The TruCare Experience was born out of something very personal to me,” she said. “In 2013, I lost my mum to breast cancer. This is my way of honouring her memory and ensuring that other women get the help and awareness my mum never had.”

The event brought together survivors, healthcare professionals, and families to share stories of strength, raise awareness, and promote early screening.

Phyllis Buckman, one of the survivors at the event, expressed appreciation to the foundation for creating a supportive space for those affected by the disease.

“For someone to take it upon themselves to organise something that puts a smile on breast cancer patients, it’s a blessing to all of us,” she said.

As survivors shared their stories of courage and hope, a common message echoed through the TruCare Experience: early detection saves lives, and no woman should face breast cancer alone.

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