Changing the Narrative on Breast Cancer in Ghana: The Power of Community Screening

contactavikawhite
Sep 8
3 min read

Across Ghana, too many women discover they have breast cancer when it is already advanced. The story often begins with small signs — discomfort, a lump, or changes in the breast — unnoticed or dismissed because life is busy, health services are far, or there is little awareness of the risks. By the time many women seek help, the disease has progressed.

This is why breast cancer is the most common cancer among Ghanaian women. In 2020, more than 4,400 new cases were recorded, and over 70% were diagnosed at advanced stages where survival chances are much lower (WHO/IARC).

Why Early Detection Matters

The difference between early and late detection is profound. Women diagnosed early have a 99% chance of surviving beyond 5 years, compared with just 33% for late-stage diagnosis (CDC). Global studies confirm that regular breast cancer screening can reduce mortality by 15–30%, and biennial screening for women aged 50–74 can cut deaths by 26%, saving around 7 lives for every 1,000 women screened (PMC).

Yet in Ghana, fewer than 1 in 20 women over 50 have ever been screened (BMC Health Serv Res). Across sub-Saharan Africa, uptake is similarly low, averaging 11–13% (BMC Cancer). This gap shows why local, accessible solutions are urgent.

The Role of Community Screening

Barriers like cost, distance, and low awareness often prevent women from seeking screening. Community-based screening programs directly address these barriers by bringing services closer to people.

Studies show that community-led interventions — such as mobile clinics, market-based outreach, and health education campaigns — significantly increase participation, leading to earlier detection and improved survival (Nature). When screening becomes part of everyday community life, women are more likely to attend, and lives are more likely to be saved.

Avika White’s Commitment: Market of Hope 2025

At Avika White, we believe that real impact begins in communities — one story at a time. Our mission is to break barriers in health, education, food security, environment, economic growth, and justice by bringing sustainable solutions directly to people.

This October, in partnership with Hospital, we will host the Market of Hope 2025 in Accra — a flagship community outreach designed to:

Provide free breast cancer screening for more than 400 women.
Deliver education on early detection and breast self-exams.
Empower families with knowledge and resources for healthier futures.

Market of Hope is not just an event. It is a movement toward health equity — a chance to ensure that no woman is left behind simply because of where she lives or what she can afford.

How You Can Support

We cannot do this alone. To make Market of Hope 2025 a success, we invite everyone to get involved in whichever way they can:

💖 Donate: Your contributions directly fund screenings, medical consumables, education, and logistics.
🙌 Volunteer: Join us on the ground to support logistics, registration, and community engagement.
📝 Register: Sign up to participate in the screening and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.
🤝 Partner: Organizations, companies, and institutions can align with us to extend the reach and sustainability of this project.
📢 Advocate: Share our message, amplify awareness, and encourage more women to prioritize early screening.