Tackling Socio-Cultural Barriers to Cancer Prevention in Africa

International researchers and experts have urged African governments to address cultural and traditional barriers hindering the fight against breast and other cancers on the continent. These obstacles not only hinder early detection and treatment but also fuel societal stigmatization and discrimination of patients. The experts emphasized the need for collaboration between health professionals, traditional healers, and religious organizations to support patients in the fight against cancers. A two-day capacity workshop, organized by the Ghanaian-based Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC) NGO, brought together participants from Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania, and the United States to address these barriers and improve sustainable support systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in Ghana, with a high mortality rate, accounting for approximately 18.4% of all cancer cases in the country, with 5,026 cases annually.
• The estimated number of new breast cancer cases globally in 2022 was 2.3 million, with approximately 666,000 deaths, and 40% of cases being high in Africa, particularly in Ghana and the sub-Saharan region.
• Cultural and traditional beliefs, such as linking breast cancers to ancestral punishment, family curse, witchcraft, wizardry, and spirituality, are perpetuating the fight against breast cancer, and wrong perceptions of the public must be tackled proactively.
• Early detection and treatment are critical, and societal stigma and discrimination often discourage patients from accessing early treatment options and medication, opting for alternative herbal medicines instead.
• Collaboration between health professionals, traditional healers, and religious organizations is necessary to support patients in the fight against cancers.
• Public awareness creation is essential to help patients seek early medication and treatment, with intensified efforts required to combat the spread of negative cultural and traditional beliefs.
• Capacity building and strengthening research infrastructure in the Sub-Saharan region are needed to enhance cancer research and improve treatment.

Statistics:

• 2.3 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed globally in 2022.
• Approximately 666,000 deaths were attributed to breast cancer in 2022.
• Breast cancer accounted for approximately 18.4% of all cancer cases in Ghana.
• 5,026 breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Ghana.
• Cases of breast cancer have doubled in the past 30 years in Africa.
• Breast cancers are about 40% high in Africa, particularly in Ghana and the sub-Saharan region.

Sources:

• Ghana News Agency, "Abesim -- 20 Aug 2024"
• Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC)
• Institute of Transnational Equitable Medicine and Health Equity Officer, Global Medical Grants and Partnership