What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow in an uncontrolled way, forming a lump or an area of thickening. Left unchecked, these cells can spread into nearby tissue and, over time, to other parts of the body. It is the most common cancer in women, both worldwide and here in Ghana, and men can develop it too, though far less often.
It is not caused by a curse, a knock, or anything you can catch from another person. It is a disease of the body's own cells, and like many cancers, it becomes harder to treat the later it is found.
A quick look at the breast
The breast is made up of lobules (the glands that produce milk), ducts (the thin tubes that carry milk to the nipple), and fatty and connective tissue that give the breast its shape. Clusters of lymph nodes sit nearby, mostly under the arm. Most breast cancers begin in the cells lining the ducts or the lobules.
Why early detection matters
When breast cancer is found early, before it has spread, it is highly treatable. Found late, treatment is harder and outcomes are poorer. In Ghana, around 70% of cases are still found at a late stage, often because screening felt out of reach. That is the gap Walk In Pink exists to close.
- Caught early, at Stage 1 or 2, survival is above 90%
- Caught late, at Stage 3 or 4, survival drops sharply
- An estimated 80% of Ghanaian women have never been screened
The good news
Breast cancer is one of the most survivable cancers when it is caught early. The three simplest, most powerful things you can do are also the easiest. Know what is normal for your body, check yourself regularly, and get screened.
Early detection saves lives. Join us for a free clinical screening.
References: nationalbreastcancer.org, breastcancer.org, breastcancernow.org. This page is general information, not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you notice a change, see a clinician.