Dr Enyonam Abiti, the Medical Officer of the Pentecost Hospital at Madina, Accra, has advised women to prioritise their health by seeking professional help in breast cancer diagnosis, care and management.
She said women ought to go for regular medical check-ups and follow evidence-based treatment plans as well as warnings against breast cancer, instead of relying on herbal medicines and spiritual cure.
Dr Abiti said the use of herbal medicines could lead to delayed diagnosis, advanced cancer stages, and reduced survival rates.
She was speaking at a breast screening exercise organised by the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Offices of the Ghana Cocoa Board in Sunyani, to sensitise workers about breast cancer, associated dangers, and the preventive measures.
The event was to mark the celebration of the Breast Cancer month observed annually in October.
Dr Abiti said, “while faith and herbal remedies may offer emotional and spiritual support, they are not a substitute for medical treatment,” explaining that surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were the proven methods that improved survival rates, enhancing the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
She advised women against delays in seeking medical attention immediately they experienced the breast cancer symptoms, saying early detection remained critical for good management of cases and survival rates.
Dr Abiti said research had shown that one in eight women developed breast cancer, compared to one in 1,000 men, therefore it was important women screened regularly to avoid late presentation of cases.
However, she expressed worry that some breast cancer patients failed to undergo the recommended tests due to lack of funds, leading to stress and late presentation when their conditions had reached advanced stages.
Dr Abiti observed that “while breast cancer awareness is crucial, prevention is equally important,” and advised women to live healthy lifestyles.
She advised women to exercise regularly, and avoid alcoholism, drug abuse and eat balanced diets filled with fruits and vegetables.
