Doctor Nicholas Apekor who is with the Department of Surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has disclosed there has been 40% increase in Survival rate of Breast Cancer across the world over the past 20 or 40 years. Mr. Apekor made this known on Uniiq FM’s Woman- to- Woman show.
According to him, there has been a lot improvement in Breast Cancer survival because there has been the call to champion screening and early detection over the years across the world. However, in our Environment there has been 25% increase in the survival rate of Breast Cancer cases recorded.
He Further explained that, the increase rate in the survival of Breast Cancer is very low in our environment as compared to that recorded around the world due to fear of being diagnosed, seeking treatment, Fear of the unknown and the myth around Breast Cancer. Most Breast Cancer patients refuse to undergo full treatment due to their fear for Chemotherapy. (drugs used in kill cancer cells to prevent the cancer from coming back). Most Patient who refuse to under go Chemotherapy treatment do not survive the disease.
He added that treatment of Breast Cancer is more in-depth now. The treatment options are far wider now than five years ago where there were very little options for Breast Reconstruction. Options for Breast Reconstructions are available in lots of hospitals in the country including Korle Bu Teaching hospital. There are different Options in Breast Reconstruction that any woman can afford
“In caring for Breast Cancer patients, there is a lot more support now than before. Patients are taken through a thorough counseling process. We don’t just tell you the diagnoses and push you to go through the treatment. We are there to take you through the treatment and ensure that you come out a victor and we are also very happy.” He said.
Mrs. Doris Okaine, a Breast Cancer survivor who shared her experience as a Breast Cancer patient encouraged patients to undergo full treatment especially the Chemotherapy process and also on the show urged all women to go for mammogram every three months after their menstruation for early detection of the cancer.
Mr. Apekor also noted that, there are Breast care nurses who have gone through an in-depth training about Breast Cancer and how to care for patients. There are also breast cancer survivor support groups who go out to give talks and educate people on Breast cancer.
Story by: Mavis Arthur
