Tuesday, 07 October

Breast Cancer survivors appeal for gov't support on treatment costs

Health News
Participants at the awareness programme in Kumasi

Some breast cancer survivors have appealed to the government to provide financial support and subsidies for medication and treatment, citing the high cost of managing the disease.

The survivors noted that while the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers certain medications, many hospitals do not consistently accept NHIS cards, forcing patients to pay out of pocket for expensive treatments.

They made the appeal during the “Walk for the Cure” event organised by Breast Care International (BCI) in Kumasi, where they shared their personal journeys and urged women to seek early diagnosis and treatment to improve survival chances.

Speaking to Kumasi FM’s Elisha Adarkwah, participants recounted the emotional and financial toll of battling breast cancer, emphasising that government intervention could save more lives.

For her part, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI), revealed that about 2,300 women die annually from treatable breast cancer in Ghana due to late detection and limited access to affordable care.

She underscored that breast cancer awareness should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue, noting that men are also at risk of developing the disease.

 

Dr. Wiafe Addai reiterated BCI’s commitment to continuous public education, early screening campaigns, and advocacy for equitable access to cancer treatment across the country.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Elisha Adarwah