Dr Edward Boateng, Consultant General Surgeon at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), has urged the public not to fear breast screening, noting that the majority of breast lumps are harmless
. He explained that about 90% of breast lumps are non-cancerous, but emphasised that only proper medical evaluation can determine whether a lump is benign or malignant.
Speaking at the ‘Maritime Goes Pink Durbar’ breast cancer awareness programme organised by the Ghana Chamber of Shippers, he revealed that breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Ghana, with an estimated 45,000 new cases annually as of 2021.
Alarmingly, half of these cases are reported late, often when the disease has already spread to vital organs such as the chest and abdomen.
Dr Boateng stressed that early detection significantly improves survival outcomes, as cancers caught early can be treated effectively, giving patients the chance to live normal, healthy lives. He encouraged both women and men to participate in screening, noting that 3–5% of breast cancer cases occur in men.
He highlighted worrying statistics showing that, on average, breast cancer among Black populations is diagnosed around age 48, much earlier than the U.S. average of 62. Survival rates also remain lower among Black patients, with approximately 15% survival, compared to 29% in the U.S.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Dr Boateng outlined both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors:
✅ Non-modifiable risks:
- Ageing
- Female gender
- Family history (mother, daughter, sister with breast cancer)
- Previous breast cancer treatment
- Early menstruation and late menopause
He explained that increased breast tissue and exposure to hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone contribute to higher risk among women.
✅ Modifiable risks:
- Alcohol intake
- Exposure to radiation
- Physical inactivity
- Hormone replacement therapy
- First pregnancy after age 30
- Never having been pregnant
Dr Boateng pointed out that breast cancer lumps are usually painless, meaning the absence of pain does not make a lump safe. Other symptoms include:
- Breast dimpling
- Itchy or scaling nipples
- Blood or brownish nipple discharge
- Non-healing breast wounds
He encouraged the public to take charge of their health by getting screened regularly, noting that early diagnosis remains the strongest weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
