By Justina Ntimwaa Boadi
Breast cancer awareness is significant to me not just because I am a medic or a breast cancer survivor, but because I feel the weight of its consequences on individuals, families and society at large.
It’s more than a matter of health; it is a matter of human dignity. It displaces people in ways that statistics alone cannot measure. Behind every pink ribbon is a person whose life can change for the better if the disease is diagnosed early and given timely education and support. For these reasons, breast cancer awareness remains crucial today.
Detection
Firstly, early detection saves lives. One of the main controversies surrounding the breast cancer awareness campaign is the neglect of its life-saving benefits through early detection. When breast cancer is diagnosed in its initial stages, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher.
For this to happen, people must know what signs to look for and feel empowered to contact their healthcare provider without delay. Awareness campaigns are not merely designed to promote mammograms and screening tests; they aim to help people, especially women, internalize the changes that occur in their bodies.
Women, often in caregiver roles, tend to prioritize others’ needs over their own health. Our campaign sought not only to increase awareness about cancer but also to encourage self-care and self-worth. This is vital in preventing women from neglecting their health amidst the busyness of life. Ultimately, it is about empowering them with the skills and information they need to take care of themselves.
Stigma
Secondly, breaking the silence and stigma is essential. Despite gaining attention in recent years, breast cancer was not always a widely discussed issue. In some parts of the world, outdated societal attitudes and a lack of awareness hinder people from seeking help.
Breast cancer awareness programs aim to break this silence, encouraging both women and men to discuss their health and address any concerns they may have. This open communication fosters an environment where support can be accessed.
As women feel more comfortable discussing their health without fear of ridicule, this model can lead to greater participation in screening programs and reduce feelings of loneliness among those affected by breast cancer.
Support
Thirdly, support for survivors and their families is crucial. Breast cancer affects not just the individual diagnosed but also everyone who loves and supports them. Campaigns emphasize the importance of community, emotional, and practical support for survivors and their families. The battle against this disease encompasses not only physical challenges but also emotional and psychological aspects.
The more we discuss this ailment, the more empowered people become to create effective support systems for those affected. It is our ethical obligation to remember to assist our friends, sisters, mothers, and partners who are dealing with or have dealt with breast cancer. Awareness helps us understand that overcoming breast cancer is not the final chapter; it is just the beginning of a journey that continues long after treatment ends.
Research
Last but not least, funding for research is critical. Raising awareness about breast cancer is a tool for garnering resources for research. With no magic bullet yet available, research leading to improved therapies and potential cures is essential.
Awareness-generating activities sustain efforts to engage donors, scientists, and governments. Every Cedi raised for breast cancer research takes us one step closer to discovering newer and more effective treatments—and ultimately, a cure.
Collectiveness
Breast cancer awareness is not merely an activity or a pink ribbon; it demands participation from all of us. It is about protecting lives through early detection and intervention, normalizing discussions about women’s health issues, aiding post-cancer patients, and supporting vital research.
Why should anyone care about breast cancer awareness? Many people either have or will face breast cancer, often battling this disease alone and without resources. It is about education, unity, and hope. This awareness must be sustained continually. The way we promote awareness is not just about making noise; it is about creating hope. And hope is the most valuable resource, particularly when it comes to saving lives.
The writer is the SRC Women’s Commissioner at University of Ghana (UG), Accra City Campus.