On October 12, 2024, approximately thirty thousand individuals participated in the 12th edition of the BCI Ghana Walk for the Cure, which took place in Ejisu, a municipality within the Ashanti region. This year’s event aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and related dangers. The walk became Ghana’s largest and longest-running breast cancer awareness initiative and was attended by a diverse group consisting of students, breast cancer survivors, traditional leaders, foreign guests, security personnel, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations. The theme for this year’s event was “Together we can change the narratives about cancers in Africa,” highlighting collective action against this significant health issue.
The walk was organized by Breast Care International (BCI) in collaboration with Peace and Love Hospitals, with sponsorship from Delta Airlines and additional organizations. Participants were led by prominent figures including Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of BCI, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah. The engaging walk saw attendees carrying placards with poignant messages such as “Breast Cancer Is Curable” and “Early Detection Saves Lives,” reflecting a shared commitment to changing public perceptions of breast cancer.
At the event, Dr. Wiafe Addai emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackling breast cancer in Ghana. She presented alarming statistics indicating that since 2020, 2,300 deaths from breast cancer had been reported out of 5,000 cases. This high mortality rate underscored the necessity for improved healthcare initiatives focused on cancer treatment at affordable costs. Dr. Wiafe Addai noted that BCI and Global Health Catalyst were working together to establish a cancer care center in Kwaso, near Ejisu, aimed not only at serving Ghana but the entire West African region. She concluded her remarks by reaffirming the importance of early reporting and intervention for breast cancer, urging attendees to avoid self-treatment and unverified remedies.
Ralph Albus, an Executive Member of Delta Airlines, expressed the airline’s commitment to partnering with BCI in its crucial work of community awareness and breast cancer screenings. Since starting their collaboration in 2016, Delta Airlines has helped to reach over 200,000 individuals, screening more than 20,000 people and identifying about 2,000 suspected cases that may have otherwise gone undetected. Recognizing the impact of their efforts, Albus promised increased financial support to BCI, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in education and screening initiatives.
The event also featured remarks from Nana Yaa Asantewaa II, the Paramount Queen mother of Ejisu Traditional Area. She lauded Dr. Wiafe Addai’s dedication to improving women’s health, especially regarding breast cancer awareness and treatment. Nana Yaa Asantewaa urged women to adopt self-breast examinations and promptly seek medical attention for any abnormalities they may detect. She reassured attendees that breast cancer is not a result of witchcraft and warned against relying solely on traditional medicine, as this could exacerbate the problem and hinder effective medical treatment.
In conclusion, the 2024 BCI Ghana Walk for the Cure served as a powerful platform to mobilize community support and raise awareness about breast cancer’s pressing implications in Ghana. With participation from various sectors of society, the event showcased the community’s united effort to combat breast cancer through education, early detection, and better healthcare access. The collaboration between organizations like BCI and Delta Airlines, along with the endorsement from local leaders, is vital for changing the narrative around cancer in Africa and fostering a proactive approach to women’s health. Through continued advocacy and community involvement, the campaign aims to enhance understanding, support survivors, and improve overall outcomes for those affected by the disease.
