A breast cancer advocacy organization, Women of Today Foundation, has called on the government to extend the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover breast cancer screening, treatment, and medication, describing it as a critical step toward combating the deadly disease among women.
The appeal was made during a breast cancer awareness conference and screening exercise organized by the foundation in Accra, as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as “Pink Month.” The event brought together hundreds of women for education, screening, and early detection support.
Founder and CEO of the foundation, Belinda Appiah, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to make breast cancer treatment more accessible.
“We detected breast cancer in many women, and it was a very difficult time for them. Thankfully, many of the patients are now recovering and living with hope,” she said.
“If the government can include breast cancer screening, treatment, and medication under the NHIS, it will save lives and encourage more women to seek early diagnosis.”
Mrs. Appiah explained that since its inception, the Women of Today Foundation has screened thousands of women, including single mothers and widows, some of whom were diagnosed and are currently receiving treatment. She noted that continuous awareness campaigns have helped reduce fear and stigma around the disease.
She further stressed that high treatment costs often prevent many women from seeking timely medical care, pushing some into despair.
“The financial burden is too heavy for many families. Including breast cancer treatment in the NHIS will help reduce anxiety and prevent avoidable deaths,” she added.
A Senior Nurse at the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ms. Henrietta Donkor, also expressed concern over the emotional toll breast cancer takes on patients. She revealed that some husbands abandon their wives after diagnosis out of fear and misunderstanding.
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence,” she said. “Men must support their wives emotionally and physically — help them go for regular check-ups and encourage them to start treatment early.”
Adding her voice, the Queen of Adugyama in the Ashanti Region, Nana Yaa Dufie Pomaa III, urged women not to hide symptoms from their spouses or delay seeking medical help when they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
She also cautioned against unhealthy eating habits and encouraged breastfeeding mothers to avoid early weaning, noting that breastfeeding provides protection against breast cancer.
The Women of Today Foundation reiterated its commitment to intensifying public education and screening outreach programs across the country, while continuing to advocate for NHIS coverage to make breast cancer care accessible to all women, regardless of their financial circumstances.
