Gender Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Says Breast Cancer Diagnosis Is Not a Life Sentence
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey warned against relying on spiritual support before medical treatment for breast cancer at the Breath Cancer Awareness Month launch in Ho.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was officially launched in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region. Gender Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey urged Ghanaians to seek medical care immediately upon diagnosis, stating that cancer is not a death sentence. She said early detection and prompt treatment dramatically improve survival chances. The launch event called on the public to abandon harmful myths that discourage screening. Dr Lartey warned that some people first turn to traditional or spiritual healers before visiting a hospital, which delays critical care. She stressed that medical treatment must come first, after which prayers and other support can be added. The Minister said breast cancer affects not only health but also the socio-economic and cultural lives of families. Stigma and false beliefs, she noted, remain major barriers to early detection. Dr Lartey appealed to survivors and those currently battling the disease to speak openly and seek support. The government has established the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also called Mahama Care, to assist low-income patients with treatment costs. This fund aims to ensure no one is denied care because of financial hardship. The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, spoke at the event and highlighted the region’s commitment to fighting breast cancer. He described the disease as a growing public health crisis that brings emotional and financial strain to households. He called on health workers, religious leaders, schools, and families to work together in a united effort. The campaign’s theme, “United for a breast cancer-free Ghana: early detection, early action, better outcomes,” underscores the need for collective action. The Minister encouraged all Ghanaians to support screening programmes and to share the stories of survivors to inspire hope. She said that the government remains focused on strengthening health facilities with modern equipment and expanding access to mammography across the country.
