Thousands of Ghanaians, including students, workers, teachers, and community leaders, thronged the streets of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on Saturday morning, for a "Walk for the cure" to fight breast cancer.

Dressed in awareness T-shirts, participants emphasized the importance of early detection, education, and community support for those affected by breast cancer.

Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, joined forces with health professionals and dignatories from the United States of America to participate in a walkathon, spreading a unified message against breast cancer.

Data from Breast Care International reveals that, between 2021 and 2024, at least 8,000 breast cancer patients succumbed to the disease due to delayed hospital visits. This staggering number explains the critical importance of early detection and timely medical intervention in the fight against breast cancer.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory report, two thousand, three hundred out of 5,000 people, diagnosed with breast cancer every year, die of the disease.

Ghana's breast cancer deaths surpass COVID-19 fatalities, with a significantly higher toll attributed to delayed diagnosis.

Experts say though curable, many patients continue to succumb to breast cancer due to delay in seeking treatment, which, they say, is unacceptable.

Misconceptions and myths surrounding breast cancer, including beliefs in witchcraft, continue to drive the high mortality rate.

This year's walk, featuring prominent leaders and stakeholders, is expected to help shift the narrative and dispel harmful myths.

President of Breast Care International, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, emphasized the importance of collective support for cancer patients, stating, when people stand together for those affected, they create a ripple effect of compassion.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai also called to action emphasizes the importance of continued efforts in combating breast cancer, ensuring everyone receives necessary treatment.

Breast cancer survivors, who participated in a walk to promote awareness, expressed gratitude to Breast Care International (BCI) for their life-saving interventions

The survivors, led by their president, vowed to unite and prevent others from enduring similar experiences.

Their commitment is described as crucial, as breast cancer remains a leading health concern globally.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah commended BCI for its tireless efforts in combating breast cancer.

He reiterated the importance of early detection and treatment, urging individuals to report to health centers for screenings. Specifically, he recommended Peace and Love Hospital as a go-to destination for top-notch healthcare, highlighting that early intervention significantly reduces treatment costs.

"Let's report early to various health centres for screening. If you don't have any hospital to go, you just go to Peace and Love Hospital where you can get the best healthcare. It is expensive to treat illness [when it is too late], but it is less when you report to the health facility early."

Empowered by the awareness walk, students pledged to spread the message about breast cancer to their families and communities, indicating the importance of regular hospital check-ups.

The girls also expressed gratitude for the educational experience, stating they now feel better equipped to take preventive measures against breast cancer.

The annual 'Walk for Cure' event, held on October 12, aims to raise awareness, educate, and sensitize the public about the risks and consequences of breast cancer. This year's edition saw a record-breaking attendance, surpassing previous years' participation.