The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has urged Ghanaians to make breast cancer awareness and prevention a year-round responsibility rather than limiting it to the month of October.

She said although October is globally recognised as breast cancer awareness month, the disease does not wait for the month before affecting individuals and families, hence stressing the need for people to remain vigilant throughout the year.

“Breast cancer does not wait for October to occur. Any day you hear the statistics, it is alarming and scary. So, every other day you wake up, you have to be aware and live in awareness in order to be able to check yourself or a loved one,” she said.

Dr Naa Momo Lartey was speaking at the launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as “Pink October”.

She called for greater public education, early screening and support for people living with the disease.

She noted that while breast cancer predominantly affect women, men could also develop the disease, so awareness campaigns should not create the impression that breast cancer is exclusively a women’s health issue.

“Though the rate for men is low, women suffer most, and that is why some attention is given to women. But it does not mean that it is only women,” she cautioned.

According to the Minister, the fight against breast cancer goes beyond medical treatment as socio-economic and cultural factors could influence how individuals respond to the disease, seek treatment and support affected persons.

She also called for intensified efforts to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, explaining that misinformation often discourage people from seeking early screening and appropriate medical care.

Dr Lartey added that the stories of breast cancer patients and survivors should remind the society that behind the statistics are real people enduring pain, treatment and emotional challenges.

“It is not just a story, it is not just statistics, but you have seen a face behind some of the statistics. The truth of the matter is that the face you saw is the face of all the numbers that you hear being thrown out there.”

She urged the public to avoid stigmatising breast cancer patients and survivors but instead provide them with the necessary emotional, social and financial support to improve their chances of recovery.

“It is important that we avoid stigmatisation and support the survivors. Even those who are going through it, we offer all the support that we can so that we will have more survivors than those who lose their lives,” she emphasised.

The Minister further encouraged people who detect abnormalities in their breasts to seek medical attention promptly.

“When you get the opportunity and you get a detection, early detection, please, it is not a death sentence. Seek medical support. Don’t go to the traditional leaders first. Don’t go for spiritual support first, but seek medical treatment, and then we’ll add the prayers and all other things to it,” she stated.

She expressed gratitude to the media for their partnership in promoting breast cancer awareness, urging journalists to use every opportunity to educate the public on prevention of the cancer, early detection and treatment.

Dr Lartey also expressed her Ministry’s appreciation to stakeholders supporting the national response to cancer, particularly the Office of the Vice President and President John Dramani Mahama, for their initiatives aimed at ensuring access to treatment and care.

She cited the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “MahamaCares”, as one of the initiatives ensuring that people diagnosed with cancer receive the necessary care.

The Minister advised all Ghanaians to become advocates for breast cancer awareness.

“Please, let us be advocates, not only in October, but throughout the year.”