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Der, EM, K. Adu-Bonsaffoh, Y. Tettey, RA Kwame-Aryee, JD Seffah, H. Alidu, and RK Gyasi. "Clinico-pathological characteristics of cervical cancer in Ghanaian women." Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences 3, no. 3 (January 13, 2015): 27–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jmbs.v3i3.5.
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Cervical cancer is a major cause of cancer related mortality in the developing countries, although preventable. The aim of this study was to use a retrospective descriptive study to determine the prevalence and the clinico-pathological characteristics of cervical cancer among genital tract ma-lignancies. This study reviewed all histologically confirmed female genital tract malignancies for cervical cancers from January 2002 to December 2011. The clinico-pathological features of women with cervical cancer were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). A total of 1011(70.8%) out of 1,427 female genital tract malignancies were cervical cancers. The average prevalence of cervical cancer was 71.0%. The mean age of women with cervical cancer was 57.8(SD=13.8) years. The youngest patient was 22 years. The commonest (76.9%) presentation was bleeding per vaginalm followed by fungating cervical masses (12.4%). Majority (88.9%) of the bleeding were unprovoked and in postmenopausal women (98.8%). The major types of cervical cancers were Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (90.1%) and adenocarcinoma (5.8%), both were common in the elderly. The com-mon histological subtypes of cervical cancers in the study were; keratinizing SCC (73.3%), non-keratinizing SCC (14.7%), endometroid adenocarcinoma (4.5%), adenosquamous carcinoma (2.6%) and basaloid SCC (1.4%). This study found high prevalence of cervical cancer among female geni-tal tract cancers in Accra Ghana. The women were relatively older and presented with advanced stage of the disease. SCC was the major histological type of cervical cancer.Keywords: Ghana, cervical cancer, postmenopausal, women, premalignant, genital tract
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Wiafe, H. E., and B. Wiafe Addai. "Advocacy Campaign: Breast Care International Approach." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 237s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.95100.
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Background and context: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Ghanaian women, but it has been identified as 1 of the neglected noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In 2012, GLOBOCAN reported that ∼2260 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana with a high age standardized mortality rate of 11.7 per 100,000. Although, it is acknowledged that early detection and prompt action reduces mortality, 80% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients delay presentation. It is a well-known fact that cancers are now killing more people in Africa than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. Due to lack of awareness about cancers and late reporting of the cases, a lot of cancer patients get very little intervention and support and that explains why most cancer deaths occur in Africa, especially women in rural areas. Breast Care International (BCI), a nongovernmental organization in Ghana, established in 2002, is a leading breast cancer advocacy organization in Africa providing an enabling environment to enhance early detection and reduce the late-stage presentation of breast cancer. Aim: To maximize personal and community wellness through community participation, excellence in public health education, empowering people to save lives and to end late-stage presentation of breast cancer in Ghana. Strategy/Tactics: To enhance early detection and reduce late-stage presentation of breast cancer in Ghana by disintegrating the myths and misconception about breast cancer. Program/Policy process: BCI has been conducting outreach awareness programs in Ghana to women groups, educational institutions, churches and social groups, especially those in deprived communities, educating them on breast self-examination (BSE) and then clinically screening the women. The involvement of breast cancer survivors to share their testimonies on various platforms to demystify breast cancer as an incurable disease and the misconceptions of it being from ancestral curses. Community-based nurses trained in basic oncology are to be deployed to the district level to create awareness about breast health and other NCDs at the grass root level with the aim of detecting breast cancer early for a prompt referral to health facilities for further management. Outcomes: BCI’s demand-driven outreach awareness campaigns and screening programs have been empowering women to perform their BSE and as a result most patients report to the hospital with lumps and abnormalities that were detected during their BSE. What was learned: Although, BCI has been intensively involved in breast cancer advocacy programs in Ghana, a concerted effort is required from opinion leaders, political figures, health service providers, organized groups and business organizations to assist to control the incidence of breast cancer in Ghana.
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Nartey, Yvonne, Philip C. Hill, Kwabena Amo-Antwi, Kofi M. Nyarko, Joel Yarney, and Brian Cox. "Cervical Cancer in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions of Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology 3, no. 6 (December 2017): 782–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2016.005744.
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Purpose Cervical cancer is a common cancer among women worldwide. An estimated 528,000 new cases and 266,000 deaths occurred in 2012. More than 85% of invasive cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women in Ghana. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the descriptive epidemiology of cervical cancer in Ghana. We describe cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates for the regions served by two large hospitals in Ghana. Patients and Methods Information for women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer between 2010 and 2013 was collected from the Komfo Anokye and Korle Bu Teaching Hospitals through review of medical, computer, and pathology records at the oncology units and the obstetrics and gynecology departments. Telephone interviews were also conducted with patients and relatives. Data were analyzed using summary statistics. Results A total of 1,725 women with cervical cancer were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 11 to 100 years (mean, 56.9 years). The histology of the primary tumor was the basis of diagnosis in 77.5% of women and a clinical diagnosis was made in 22.5% of women. For the 1,336 women for whom tumor grade was available, 34.3% were moderately differentiated tumors. Late stage at presentation was common. The incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer increased with age up until the 75 to 79–year age group and began to decrease at older ages. The Greater Accra region had higher overall incidence and mortality rates than the Ashanti region. Conclusion Our study suggests that improvements in the application of preventive strategies could considerably reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries. The study provides important information to inform policy on cancer prevention and control in Ghana.
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Nartey, Y., P. Hill, K. Amo-Antwi, K. Nyarko, J. Yarney, and B. Cox. "Clinical Features of Women Diagnosed With Invasive Cervical Cancer in Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 40s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.29000.
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Background: The incidence of cervical cancer continues to increase in many low- and middle-income countries. It remains the commonest cancer affecting females in Ghana. However, comprehensive information on the clinical characteristics of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer is scarce. Aim: To characterize the clinical features of women with invasive cervical cancer in Ghana. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in two large referral hospitals in Ghana: the Korle Bu teaching hospital, Accra and Komfo Anokye teaching hospital, Kumasi. Through the review of paper-based, electronic, and pathology medical records, information on women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013 was collected. The information was entered onto a standardized data abstraction sheet and included demographics, comorbid conditions, treatment and follow-up. All analyses were conducted in STATA and described the distribution of key clinical features by the stage at diagnosis. Results: A total of 1,725 women with invasive cervical cancer were included in the analysis. Few had cervical screening before their cervical cancer diagnosis (1.1%). Women who were resident in a metropolitan area ( P = 0.034), or who had any comorbidity ( P < 0.001) were at an increased risk of FIGO stage III-IV disease. The majority of women had at least two diagnostic investigations (75%) with cervical biopsy performed for 95.5% of women. More than half received radiotherapy (55.4%) and only 22.4% receiving chemotherapy. Clinical follow-up after the first consultation was performed for 61%, with 73% of women with clinical follow-up having at least one follow-up investigation. Conclusion: Improvements in access to early diagnosis and optimal treatment of cervical cancer, such as an increased use of chemoradiation would reduce the burden of the disease in Ghana.
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Naku Ghartey Jnr, Frank, Akwasi Anyanful, Sebastian Eliason, Saanid Mohammed Adamu, and Samuel Debrah. "Pattern of Breast Cancer Distribution in Ghana: A Survey to Enhance Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment." International Journal of Breast Cancer 2016 (2016): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/3645308.
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Background. Nearly 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana are in advanced stages of the disease due especially to low awareness, resulting in limited treatment success and high death rate. With limited epidemiological studies on breast cancer in Ghana, the aim of this study is to assess and understand the pattern of breast cancer distribution for enhancing early detection and treatment.Methods. We randomly selected and screened 3000 women for clinical palpable breast lumps and used univariate and bivariate analysis for description and exploration of variables, respectively, in relation to incidence of breast cancer.Results. We diagnosed 23 (0.76%) breast cancer cases out of 194 (6.46%) participants with clinically palpable breast lumps. Seventeen out of these 23 (0.56%) were premenopausal (<46.6 years) with 7 (0.23%) being below 35 years. With an overall breast cancer incidence of 0.76% in this study, our observation that about 30% of these cancer cases were below 35 years may indicate a relative possible shift of cancer burden to women in their early thirties in Ghana, compared to Western countries.Conclusion. These results suggest an age adjustment for breast cancer screening to early twenties for Ghanaian women and the need for a nationwide breast cancer screening to understand completely the pattern of breast cancer distribution in Ghana.
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Boatemaa Benson, Ruth, Bernice Cobbold, Ellen Opoku Boamah, Cynthia Pomaa Akuoko, and Daniel Boateng. "Challenges, Coping Strategies, and Social Support among Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana." Advances in Public Health 2020 (February 25, 2020): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/4817932.
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Background. Despite the high incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer (BC) in Ghana, little attention has been given to the issue of how adult women cope with having BC. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges, coping strategies, and support systems among women diagnosed with BC in Ghana. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2017 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 202 women with a confirmed diagnosis of BC. Coping strategies of women with BC were assessed using the Brief-COPE. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, social network/support, and coping strategies were assessed using linear regression models. Results. The most and least adopted active coping strategies were religious coping and humors, respectively. Self-distraction and substance use were the most and least adopted avoidant coping strategies, respectively. Spouses and children offered the most support to women with BC; having support from 5 or more sources was associated with higher mean active coping (beta [β] 1.14; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.62) and avoidant coping (β 1.46; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.94), as compared with having <2 sources of social support. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that women diagnosed with BC in Ghana adopt varied coping strategies to deal with these challenges. The forms of coping strategies adopted by women diagnosed with BC are influenced by the extent of social support received. Psychosocial counseling and support should be an integral part of BC management. Exploring and including social networks could play an important role in the management of BC in Ghana.
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Mayo, Rachel, and Anita Hunter. "FATALISM TOWARD BREAST CANCER AMONG THE WOMEN OF GHANA." Health Care for Women International 24, no. 7 (August 2003): 608–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07399330390217752.
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Hobenu, Kafui A., and Florence Naab. "A qualitative study of the physical consequences experienced by women with cervical cancer in Accra, Ghana." African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health 14, no. 2 (April 2, 2020): 2–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/ajmw.2019.0006.
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Background/aims Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer that causes severe physical consequences, including pain and sleep disturbance. However, in Ghana, little is known about the experiences of women with cervical cancer. This study explored the physical experiences of women with cervical cancer in Accra, Ghana to help healthcare professionals understand the experiences of their patients and improve the care given. Methods This study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach, using purposive sampling technique to select study participants. In-depth interviews lasting between 45 and 90 minutes were conducted face-to-face with 15 women with cervical cancer receiving treatment at a teaching hospital in Ghana to gather information on their physical experiences resulting from the cancer. The interviews were recorded with the participants' consent. Data were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis concurrently with data collection. Results Content analysis revealed the following sub-themes within disease-related physical consequences of cervical cancer: pain, impaired sleep patterns, weight loss and gynaecological problems. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that women with cervical cancer experience physical consequences that negatively impact their wellbeing. Healthcare providers should employ a multidisciplinary approach in the management of women with cervical cancer.
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Abotchie, Peter N., and Navkiran K. Shokar. "Cervical Cancer Screening Among College Students in Ghana: Knowledge and Health Beliefs." International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer 19, no. 3 (March 2009): 412–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/igc.0b013e3181a1d6de.
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Background:Cervical cancer is the most incident cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women in Ghana. Currently, little is known about Ghanaian women's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening, yet this information is essential to the success of cervical cancer screening programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge and beliefs of female university college students in Ghana.Methods:A cross-sectional survey among college women in a university in Ghana elicited information about sociodemographics, knowledge and beliefs, and acceptability of cervical cancer screening, screening history, and sexual history. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with screening.Results:One hundred forty women were recruited; the age range was 20 to 35 years. The prior Papanicolaou (Pap) screening rate was 12.0%. The women were unaware of local screening initiatives, and only 7.9% were aware of the link between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. The most prevalent barriers were lack of awareness that the purpose of Pap screening is to diagnose cancer, concerns about what others may think, and lack of information about how to obtain screening services. Although women perceived the benefits of screening, only about half perceived themselves to be at risk. Women received few screening cues. Three barriers were negatively associated with screening in bivariate analyses: lack of belief that cancer is diagnosed by cervical screening, belief that Pap test is painful, and belief that the test will take away virginity.Conclusion:New screening programs in Ghana should address these barriers and increase screening cues to the public.
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Sampson, Charlotte Naa, Samuel Donkor Nkpeebo, and Thywill Amenuveve Degley. "Knowledge, attitude and health beliefs on cervical cancer screening in Ajumako-Eyan-Essiam District, Ghana." Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal 31, no. 3 (July 22, 2021): 285–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.5737/23688076313285290.
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The study assessed women in Ajumako-Eyan-Essiam District (AEED) on knowledge, attitude, and health beliefs on cervical cancer screening. In Ghana, cervical cancer ranks as the second leading cause of female cancers. In clinical practice and studies done on women with cervical cancer, early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical cancer is widely influenced by women’s knowledge, and attitude towards screening, yet there is no study on knowledge, attitude, and health beliefs among women in AEED. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, with a descriptive statistical analysis of data from 240 women. The results showed that 61.3% of women do not know which organs cervical cancer affects or when to follow up after a normal smear, which might suggest some deficit in their level of knowledge. Thirty-six percent believed that the Pap test is done once and 57.1% were of the view that it is expensive, which limits patronage. The majority of respondents refused to go for screening for fear of the unknown (48.8%) while others believed that they might not be at risk (65.8%). A significant number (46.7%) were of the view that cervical cancer cannot be cured. In conclusion, the inadequate knowledge and false health beliefs of women influenced their attitude toward cervical cancer screening.
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Nartey, Yvonne, Philip C. Hill, Kwabena Amo-Antwi, Kofi M. Nyarko, Joel Yarney, and Brian Cox. "Factors Contributing to the Low Survival Among Women With a Diagnosis of Invasive Cervical Cancer in Ghana." International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer 27, no. 9 (November 2017): 1926–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/igc.0000000000001088.
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ConclusionsIn conclusion, cervical cancer survival is low in Ghana and is likely to be improved if a greater proportion of the disease is detected early. Improving knowledge of the disease for early diagnosis, reducing financial barriers, and greater organization of health care delivery are likely to improve survival from cervical cancer in Ghana.
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Azumah, Francess Dufie, and John Onzaberigu Nachinaab. "COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARD BREAST CANCER IN SEKYERE EAST DISTRICT-GHANA." International Journal for Innovation Education and Research 5, no. 6 (June 30, 2017): 221–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol5.iss6.733.
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The study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of women on breast cancer, respondents perceptions about breast cancer and the attitude of the people toward breast cancer in the Sekyere East District-Ghana. The study adopted quantitative approach by collecting data through the use of questionnaire from 97 women, who were selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The study established that the respondents demonstrated their knowledge level of breast cancer in their breast cancer practices and their source of information of breast cancer which most of the respondents stated that they got to know of breast cancer through the hospital. It was also established that most of the women in the study area practice Breast Self-Examination. The study also established that the women who did not practice BSE regularly felt that they did not have the breast problem, felt uncomfortable doing BSE. The study also found that respondents perceived Clinical Breast Examination as expensive and time wasting. The study recommended women should practice Breast Self-Examination (BSE).
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Addo, Rebecca, Stephen Goodall, and Jane Hall Marion Haas. "PP02 Cost Effectiveness Of Tamoxifen For Breast Cancer Treatment In Ghana." International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care 34, S1 (2018): 66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266462318001794.
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Introduction:In recent years, unlike developing countries, developed countries have seen an increase in the survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer and this has been attributed to early detection through screening and best treatments such as adjuvant systemic therapies with medications like Tamoxifen. The burden of breast cancer in Africa, including Ghana, lies among premenopausal women, with mean age of diagnosis being 46 years. However, survival among these women is low due to reasons such as inability to afford treatment including Tamoxifen, an older but cheaper and effective adjuvant therapy. This study therefore sought to assess the cost effectiveness of Tamoxifen compared to nothing for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer among pre- and peri-menopausal women in Ghana to inform funding decisions.Methods:A Markov model was developed using TreeAge pro to incorporate effectiveness, costs and utility data. Effectiveness of Tamoxifen, rate of events and utility weights were derived from published literature. Resource utilization and costs were estimated from Ghanaian clinical expert, national health insurance scheme tariffs and medicines. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the payer.Results:Patients on Tamoxifen incurred additional costs compared to those who received nothing. The key driver of costs was the cost of Tamoxifen. However, these costs were offset by the QALY gained: 3.51. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was GHC 666.15 (USD 150) per QALY gained. In line with the effective measure commonly used in developing countries, the ICER per DALYs averted was GHC 219.96 (USD 50). The results were sensitive to variations in the utility weights and the cost of Tamoxifen. There were no significant differences between the ICERs of premenopausal and peri-menopausal women in a subgroup analysis.Conclusions:Compared to no treatment, Tamoxifen therapy is highly cost-effective for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer among pre- and peri-menopausal women in Ghana. The results can be applied to other African countries with similar resource use and treatment protocols
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Baffoe, A. T., and B. Wiafe Addai. "Summary Report of a Successful Policy/Advocacy Campaign by Breast Care International in Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 238s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.95600.
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Background and context: Breast cancer is rapidly becoming a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and has the highest mortality among women. Research has demonstrated that African women are diagnosed with breast cancer 10 to 15 years earlier than their counterparts in higher-income countries. According to GLOBOCAN, in 2012 it was estimated that 2260 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and out of it 1102 died in Ghana. Breast cancer accounts for 15% of all malignancies in Ghana and it is estimated that majority of the cases are premenopausal and still in the work forces. Evidence has also shown that women who develop breast cancer at younger ages had more aggressive tumors, higher rate of metastasis, higher clinical stages and lower rate of hormone receptor expression (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) than older women. Aim: Provide education and screening on breast/cervical/prostate cancers and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs; hypertension and diabetes). Strategy/Tactics: Reach out to organized groups and offer them education and screening programs. Program/Policy process: We offered our policy/advocacy campaign by going outside the hospital to do public health education in the schools, offices, churches and communities especially in the rural areas where people don't have access to hospitals, on breast cancer education, early detection and screening. For the benefit of the people in the rural areas, this platform is also used to educate the people on NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes which is also killing a lot people due to lack of education. Outcomes: From the advocacy campaign on the breast cancer outside the hospitals we release that there has been much improvement in reporting breast cases to the hospitals early and a large number of people in the communities understand breast cancer and its implications. What was learned: If health workers and nongovernmental organizations involve themselves in breast cancer education and advocacy campaigns, it will help in eradicating and reducing the number of breast cancer cases in the country.
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Gyedu, Adam, Cameron E. Gaskill, Godfred Boakye, Abdul Rashid Abdulai, Benjamin O. Anderson, and Barclay Stewart. "Differences in Perception of Breast Cancer Among Muslim and Christian Women in Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology, no. 4 (December 2018): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2017.009910.
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Purpose The burden of breast cancer continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where women present with more advanced disease and have worse outcomes compared with women from high-income countries. In the absence of breast cancer screening in LMICs, patients must rely on self-detection for early breast cancer detection, followed by a prompt clinical diagnostic work-up. Little is known about the influence of religious beliefs on women’s perceptions and practices of breast health. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to female members of Islamic and Christian organizations in Ghana. Participants were asked about their personal experience with breast concerns, knowledge of breast cancer, performance of breast self-examination, and experience with clinical breast exam. Results The survey was administered to 432 Muslim and 339 Christian women. Fewer Muslim women knew someone with breast cancer (31% v 66%; P < .001) or had previously identified a concerning mass in their breast (16% v 65%; P < .001). Both groups believed that new breast masses should be evaluated at clinic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.58 to 2.01), but Muslim women were less likely to know that breast cancer can be effectively treated (AOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.50). Muslim women were less likely to have performed breast self-examination (AOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.88) or to have undergone clinical breast exam (AOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.84). Conclusion Muslim women were found to be less likely to participate in breast health activities compared with Christian women, which highlights the need to consider how religious customs within subpopulations might impact a woman’s engagement in breast health activities. As breast awareness initiatives are scaled up in Ghana and other LMICs, it is essential to consider the unique perception and participation deficits of specific groups.
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Sarfo, V. Gyasi, and B. Wiafe Addai. "The Role of Survivors in Breast Cancer Advocacy and Treatment in Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 246s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.98700.
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Background and context: Breast cancer is rapidly becoming a growing public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the lack of a national cancer registry, it is estimated that 2260 women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. 1021 out of the 2260 women died of the disease (GLOBACON, 2012). The mean age for Ghanaian women according to the Ghana Breast Health Study is 43 years while white American women are usually diagnosed ∼60 years. To address the alarming rate by which women present late for diagnosis, several advocacy groups have implemented education and awareness programs in the country. However, despite aggressive campaigns to improve early detection, there are still a record number of late presentations indicating that there is still a need for a more aggressive approach. The Peace and Love Survivors Association (PALSA), was inaugurated in 2012 at the Peace and Love Hospital. Aim: To help Breast Care International (BCI) on their outreach programs to educate women about breast cancer and eradicate the stigma, myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. Strategy/Tactics: Speak out and share our stories to encourage and empower newly diagnosed women, support and navigate them through their treatment, build a community of survivors. Program/Policy process: Some members have dedicated themselves to always go out with BCI and share their stories to show breast cancer is survivable when detected and treated early. Postmastectomy survivors among us show their artificial breasts in public for women to know they have 1 breast which is helping a lot. We started the HOPE Program in 2013 to navigate the newly diagnosed patients. We do home visits and phone calls to assist and check on patients as they go through treatment. We first of all share our story to the patient so that she will know she is not alone. We tell them the number of years we have survived and that makes them more relaxed. Outcomes: We have been able to navigate quite a number of patients through their treatment journey to also become members of our association and that has increased our membership to >800 women and men. Three of us have been used by the Peace and Love Hospitals and gone through training to help counsel newly diagnosed patients. I can say patients feel more relaxed and comfortable with us. They even sometimes call us to discuss their problems with us and we help them to sort it out with the hospital especially when it is financial. What was learned: Women are important to our husbands, children, family and society as a whole and we should not die needlessly. Early detection and prompt action equals prevention and together we can make an impact. Our stories are powerful and we can help save a lot of women in very diverse ways. We are now helping BCI to raise funds to treat early-stage breast cancer patients who are indeed poor. Our goal is to help women understand the disease and report early to the hospital for treatment.
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Boateng, Agartha A., and Tosin A. Adesuyi. "A Statistical Approach towards Cervical Cancer Awareness among Women in Ghana." Asian Journal of Medicine and Health 13, no. 3 (December 21, 2018): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ajmah/2018/45447.
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Dharsee, Nazima Jaffer, Beatrice W. Addai, Lisa Murray, Amanda Shewbridge, Maria Aresu, Susannah Jane Stanway, Sheila Small, Geraldine o'Gara, Seth A. Wiafe, and Theresa Wiseman. "Developing survivorship services in Ghana and Tanzania." Journal of Clinical Oncology 38, no. 15_suppl (May 20, 2020): e24132-e24132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e24132.
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e24132 Background: The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in low- & middle- income countries (LMICs). Alongside attempts to reduce the disparity in cancer survival between high-income countries (HIC) & LMICs, it is important that survivorship is well understood and managed in an evidence based, resource and culturally sensitive manner. This project aimed to develop knowledge, skills and services concerning living with and beyond breast cancer primary treatment. Methods: This 3-phase study used mixed methods. Phase 1 used participant observation and focus group interviews (FGIs) to scope experience, resources, current practice, and challenges to implementing a recovery package. In Phase 2 nurses used the adapted Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) with 500 women in Tanzania and Ghana, who were also offered a recovery care plan and treatment summary following their breast cancer primary treatment. Data was entered into a macro database & analysed using descriptive statistics. Phase 3 was the development of a culturally sensitive “Foundations in Cancer Care” training toolkit for nurses. The toolkit was based on a “train the trainer” model and included slides, an existing palliative care toolkit and exercises. The training programme consisted of 5 days teaching covering theory and practice. Data collection included: Initial FGIs to ascertain learning needs, confidence in knowledge & skills, assessed pre & post teaching course, and course evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: In Phase 1 six themes were identified concerning experience of breast cancer which included cultural beliefs & practices and access to treatment & support. Phase 2 data from Tanzania showed a similar level of unmet need at the end of treatment to a previous similar published analysis from the UK. Data from Ghana showed a much higher level of unmet need. Evaluation following Phase 3 showed a positive change in nurses’ confidence in their knowledge. Conclusions: This mixed methods three-phase study has documented experience, resources and current practise around breast cancer survivorship in two African centers treating breast cancer. The feasibility of using HNA to identify unmet needs in these women has been demonstrated and needs the identified. Results from the HNA informed a training toolkit which was implemented and positively received and could be adapted for use in other LMICs.
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Opoku, Constance A., Edmund Nii Laryea Browne, Kathryn Spangenberg, Cheryl Moyer, David Kolbilla, and Katherine J. Gold. "Perception and risk factors for cervical cancer among women in northern Ghana." Ghana Medical Journal 50, no. 2 (July 18, 2016): 84. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v50i2.6.
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Twahir, Majid, Rasaaq Adisa Oyesegun, Joel Yarney, Andrew Gachii, Clement Edusa, Chukwumere Nwogu, Gitangu Mangutha, et al. "Access to care and financial burden for patients with breast cancer in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria." Journal of Clinical Oncology 37, no. 15_suppl (May 20, 2019): 6562. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.6562.
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6562 Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the most common cause of cancer-related death in women in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. We evaluated healthcare resource use and financial burden for patients treated at tertiary cancer centers in these countries. Methods: Records of breast cancer patients treated at the following government/private tertiary centers were included – Ghana: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Sweden Ghana Medical Centre; Kenya: Kenyatta National Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital; Nigeria: National Hospital Abuja and Lakeshore Cancer Center. Patients presenting within a prespecified 2-year period were followed until death or loss to follow-up. Results: The study included 299 patient records from Ghana, 314 from Kenya, and 249 from Nigeria. The use of common screening modalities (eg, mammogram, breast ultrasound) was < 45% in all 3 countries. Use of core needle biopsy was 76% in Kenya and Nigeria, but only 50% in Ghana. Across the 3 countries, 91-98% of patients completed blood count/chemistry, whereas only 78-88% completed tests for hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Most patients underwent surgery: mastectomy (64-67%) or breast-conserving Most patients in Ghana and Nigeria (87-93%) paid for their diagnostic tests entirely out of pocket (OOP) compared with 30-32% in Kenya. Similar to diagnostic testing, the proportion of patients paying OOP only for treatments was high: 72-89% in Nigeria, 45-79% in Ghana, and 8-20% in Kenya. Among those receiving HER2-targeted therapy, average number of cycles was 5 for patients paying OOP only vs 14 for patients with some level of insurance coverage. Conclusions: Patients treated in tertiary facilities in sub-Saharan African countries lack access to common imaging modalities and systemic therapies. Most patients in Ghana and Nigeria bore the full cost of their breast cancer care, suggestive of privileged financial status. Access to screening/diagnosis and appropriate care is likely to be substantively lower for the general population.
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Kugbey, Nuworza, Anna Meyer-Weitz, Kwaku Oppong Asante, Joel Yarney, and Verna Vanderpuye. "Lived Experiences of Women Receiving Medical Treatments for Breast Cancer in Ghana: A Qualitative Study." SAGE Open 11, no. 3 (July 2021): 215824402110450. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/21582440211045077.
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Breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment present women with significant challenges which require adjustment in several domains to ensure good health outcomes. Any psychosocial interventions to address the challenges need to be informed by empirical evidence. However, there is dearth of empirical literature in this regard in the Ghanaian context. To address some of these gaps, we explored the lived experiences of women living with breast in Ghana to inform healthcare practice and breast cancer research. In-depth individual interviews were conducted among 11 breast cancer patients receiving medical treatment for breast cancer. The interpretative phenomenological approach was used in the data analysis. Findings from the study showed that participants’ lived experiences cluster around three major themes; burdens of breast cancer treatments, alternative/herbal medicine use, and breast cancer stigma. These findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary treatment approach to achieve optimum health outcomes among these groups of women.
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Binka, Charity, Samuel H. Nyarko, Kofi Awusabo-Asare, and David T. Doku. "Barriers to the Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment among Rural Women in Ghana." BioMed Research International 2019 (November 3, 2019): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/6320938.
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Background. This study sought to explore the barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment in the North Tongu district of Ghana. Methods. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted, while three focus group discussions were held among respondents. The data were analysed with the R package for qualitative data analysis using a thematic analytical approach. Results. Low level of knowledge about the disease and screening services, personal or psychological convictions, and cost of screening and treatment coupled with a low level of income were the barriers at the individual level. Perceived health personnel attitude, perceived lack of privacy, and misdiagnosis were the barriers at the institutional level while the sociocultural belief system of the communities about the etiology of the disease was the barrier at the community level. Inadequate education about the disease, lack of funding and access to screening facilities also constrained screening and treatment at the policy level. Conclusions. Cervical cancer screening and treatment are constrained at multiple levels in rural Ghana. This study underscores the need to address the low uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment at the individual, community, institutional, and policy levels simultaneously.
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Kugbey, Nuworza, Anna Meyer-Weitz, and Kwaku Oppong Asante. "Mental adjustment to cancer and quality of life among women living with breast cancer in Ghana." International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine 54, no. 3 (October 9, 2018): 217–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0091217418805087.
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Objective This study examined whether cancer-specific coping strategies have any significant influence on the quality of life of 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants were administered questionnaires which measured their cancer-specific coping strategies and health-related quality of life. Results Correlation analysis showed that helplessness-hopelessness negatively correlated with physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, functional wellbeing, and breast cancer additional concerns. Anxious preoccupation negatively correlated with all the domains of quality of life, whereas fighting spirit was positively correlated with emotional and functional wellbeing. Cognitive avoidance was positively correlated with functional wellbeing, while fatalism was positively related with all the domains of quality of life. Regression analysis revealed that anxious preoccupation predicted significant decreases in all the domains of quality of life, while helplessness-hopelessness predicted significant decreases in emotional and functional wellbeing domains. However, cognitive avoidance predicted significant increase in the functional domain of quality of life. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for psychosocial support for breast cancer patients to adopt effective coping strategies to deal with their challenges in managing their illness.
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Sekyere, M. Owusu. "Incidence and Risk Factors of Arm Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 213s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.85800.
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Background: All breast cancer patients are at risk for developing lymphedema (LE) as a complication of breast cancer surgery and radiation. The reported incidence ranges from 5%-60%. In Ghana, 50% of women with breast cancer who come to the hospital present with late-stage breast cancer. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has no available data to support LE incidence. Aim: To determine the incidence and risk factors of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment at the oncology unit of KATH, Kumasi, Ghana between 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. Methods: Breast cancer and lymphedema related variables were collected from the medical records of breast cancer patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. Results: Among 313 patients treated for breast cancer between 2005 and 2008, 31 (9.9%) developed lymphedema after treatment. A χ2 test showed that axillary lymph node dissection was statistically a significant risk factor of lymphedema (χ2 test value = 7.055, P = 0.008). Radiation and late stage of breast cancer diagnosis may have contributed in development of lymphedema despite having P value > 0.05. Age, BMI and hypertension were also not associated with lymphedema. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the incidence of lymphedema was 9.9% with axillary lymph node dissection as a statistically significant risk factor of lymphedema. Implication for practice: With majority of breast cancer patients presenting with late stage disease and also undergoing axillary lymph node dissection, lymphedema will continue to be a problem in Ghana. Knowing the incidence and risk factors of lymphedema not only helps in the early detection and effective management of lymphedema but also provides base-line data for further research on lymphedema in Ghana.
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Ebu, Nancy Innocentia. "Facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women in Ghana." African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health 12, no. 2 (April 2, 2018): 93–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/ajmw.2018.12.2.93.
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Iddrisu, Merri, Lydia Aziato, and Lillian A. Ohene. "Socioeconomic impact of breast cancer on young women in Ghana: A qualitative study." Nursing Open 8, no. 1 (October 6, 2020): 29–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nop2.590.
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Addai, A., and B. W. Addai. "Breast Cancer Survivorship in Ghana: Peace and Love Survivors´ Association (PALSA)." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 179s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.37100.
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Background and context: About 10 years ago in Ghana, you couldn´t find a woman to say I had breast cancer, went through the treatment and I am still alive and a survivor now. Today Breast Care International (BCI) has breast cancer (bc) survivors who not only share their stories but show their postmastectomy scars. Aim: To create a community of bc survivors reintegrating into society emotionally, physically, psychologically healed/content and by so doing demystify bc in Ghana. PALSA has over 800 survivors. Strategy/Tactics: 2 years after completion of active treatment, our patients are absorbed into PALSA where they continue to receive counseling and postcancer reviews. Some PALSA members were trained in 2013 by Carries´ Touch from California, USA on how to share their stories, counsel and navigate newly diagnosed bc patients. Program/Policy process: Survivorship is complex. Our survivors need to be filled and content to genuinely impact their audience when they share their stories and navigate bc patients. a) Survivors in our HOPE (Helping Others through Personal Experience) program counsel and walk the treatment journey with newly diagnosed patients. b) Showcasing survivorship with > 300 survivors parade during BCI Ghana walks for the cure. c) Survivors join all BCI outreach programs to share their stories, with postmastectomy survivors boldly showing their external prosthesis and framed photos of their scars. d) 2017 Dress Campaign - 5 bc survivors with pink tailor made clothes shared their stories through art. This year 20 survivors will participate thanks to donation in kind from GTP. e) September 30th 2017, survivors´ children and their mothers danced at the African Regent Hotel and the arrival hall of Kotoka International Airport to usher in the pink month. f) For the first time Kotoka International Airport was decorated in pink for the month of October to celebrate breast cancer awareness. Outcomes: Before the HOPE project PLH had 70% defaulting treatment especially mastectomy, compared with 10% default rate now. More women are ready and eager to be screened because they see and hear women survive bc and mastectomy for years. Flash mobs and the dress campaign are new and fun ways to take breast cancer awareness to the youth. What was learned: Building a strong survivorship program is an important part of life after bc. Not only do we maximize impact in advocacy and awareness creation with survivors, our survivors care/support each other and find a place to heal and integrate in society (either reintegrating or find something new like being used at PLH in HOPE, decorating airports for the pink month). Our survivors are ready and eager to share their stories and help change bc in Ghana in their own unique ways. We just need to create all the different ways they can do this and save as many lives as possible.
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Kugbey, Nuworza, Kwaku Oppong Asante, and Anna Meyer-Weitz. "Illness perception and coping among women living with breast cancer in Ghana: an exploratory qualitative study." BMJ Open 10, no. 7 (July 2020): e033019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033019.
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ObjectiveIllness perception has been shown to have significant influence on the well-being and coping strategies of persons living with chronic medical conditions. Understanding of how women living with breast cancer cognitively and emotionally represent their illness and coping strategies used is likely to help in designing focused psychosocial interventions aimed at improving their health and well-being. This study explored the illness perceptions and coping strategies among women receiving care for breast cancer.DesignA qualitative phenomenological study (using semi-structured in-depth interviews).SettingOncology department of a tertiary hospital in Ghana.ParticipantsEleven women receiving breast cancer treatment were purposively sampled and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with questions based on illness perception and coping literature.ResultsIn terms of illness perceptions, it emerged that most of the participants lacked adequate factual knowledge about breast cancer and perceived causes but believed in the curability of their illness through medical treatments and the help of God. Spirituality, social support and diversion coping were the key resources for coping among the participants.ConclusionBreast cancer patients lacked adequate factual knowledge of breast cancer and their perception about the causes of breast cancer is rooted in biopsycho-spiritual model of illness. The reliance on spirituality and social support as the main coping strategies suggests the need for psychosocial interventions tailored to the spiritual and psychosocial needs of the patients.
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Thomas, Abigail S., Kelley M. Kidwell, Joseph K. Oppong, Ernest K. Adjei, Ernest Osei-Bonsu, Angela Boahene, Evelyn Jiagge, Kofi Gyan, and Sofia D. Merajver. "Breast Cancer in Ghana: Demonstrating the Need for Population-Based Cancer Registries in Low- and Middle-Income Countries." Journal of Global Oncology 3, no. 6 (December 2017): 765–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2016.006098.
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Purpose Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Ghanaian women. Previous studies find Ghanaian women are diagnosed at a younger age and at more advanced stages (III and IV), and have tumors with characteristics similar to African American women. We sought to remedy gaps in knowledge about breast cancer survival in Ghana and its relation to demographic and biologic factors of the tumors at diagnosis to assist in cancer control and registration planning. Methods Individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis who sought care at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from 2009 to 2014 were identified via medical records. Follow-up telephone interviews were held to assess survival. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models assessed survival associated with clinical and demographic characteristics. Results A total of 223 patients completed follow-up and were analyzed. The median survival was 3.8 years. Approximately 50% of patients were diagnosed with grade 3 tumors, which significantly increased the risk of recurrence or death (hazard ratio [HR] for grade 2 versus 1, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.26 to 7.02; HR grade 3 v 1, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.08 to 6.07; P = .04). No other variables were significantly associated with survival. Conclusion Higher tumor grade was significantly associated with shorter survival, indicating impact of aggressive biology at diagnosis on higher risk of cancer spread and recurrence. Contrary to prevailing notions, telephone numbers were not reliable for follow-up. Collecting additional contact information will likely contribute to improvements in patient care and tracking. A region-wide population-based active registry is important to implement cancer control programs and improve survival in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Agbokey, Francis, Elorm Kudzawu, Mawuli Dzodzomenyo, Kenneth Ayuurebobi Ae-Ngibise, Seth Owusu-Agyei, and Kwaku Poku Asante. "Knowledge and Health Seeking Behaviour of Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana." International Journal of Breast Cancer 2019 (April 1, 2019): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/5239840.
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Background. Breast cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite the numerous measures employed to prevent and manage the disease. This study explored the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of breast cancer patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, from June 2014 to July 2014. Thirty-five participants were purposively selected. The responses to questions about their experiences with breast cancer were determined using indepth interviews. Transcripts were coded and analysed using NVIVO version 10.0. Results. Participants’ knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer after their diagnosis was high but low for risk factors. Screening for breast cancer through self-breast examination was infrequently performed prior to their diagnosis. The patients’ first point of care was generally health facilities. Some patients reported late due to misinterpretation of signs and symptoms, cultural influences and fear of losing their breast to surgery, physician delay, health providers’ laxity, and disinterest in breast cancer. Men, for example, husbands, decide on where and when breast cancer patients go for treatment. Conclusion. There is poor knowledge of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Patients resorted to the hospital as first options for cure but were generally delayed in doing so. There is the need to create awareness about breast cancer among the general population.
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Donkoh, Emmanuel Timmy, Francis Agyemang-Yeboah, Richard Harry Asmah, and Edwin K. Wiredu. "Prevalence of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions among unscreened Women in Kumasi, Ghana." Medicine 98, no. 13 (March 2019): e14600. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000014600.
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Mburu, Waruiru, Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah, Beth Virnig, John H. Amuasi, Baffour Awuah, Carolyn M. Porta, Ernest Osei-Bonsu, and Shalini Kulasingam. "Pathways to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Among Women in Ghana: A Qualitative Study." Women's Health Reports 2, no. 1 (July 1, 2021): 234–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/whr.2020.0117.
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Amenuke-Edusei, Margaret, and Charles M. S. Birore. "The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Women’s Breast Cancer Screening in Accra, Ghana." Advances in Social Work 20, no. 3 (January 29, 2021): 756–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.18060/23663.
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Ghana has a relatively low incidence rate of women’s breast cancer compared to more developed countries. However, the breast cancer’s mortality rate is higher in the former compared to the latter. In Ghana, the role of social work in health care is limited or is not recognized. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, access to healthcare providers, and physicians’ recommendations on Ghanaian women’s breast cancer screening practices. A cross-sectional survey and convenience sample were used to collect data from 194 Ghanaian women after approval was obtained from two Institutional Review Boards, authors of instruments used, and the participants. Univariate, chi-square, and logistic regression statistics were used to analyze data. Seventy-one percent of the participants reported practicing breast self-examination (BSE) and 14% reported mammogram screening. While educational level and employment were positively associated with BSE, a regular visit to healthcare providers was negatively associated with BSE. Income and physicians’ recommendations were positively associated with mammogram screening. Ghanaian women’s low level of mammogram screening calls for first, increasing breast cancer awareness and education to counteract negative personal and cultural beliefs relating to breast cancer and screening. Second, social workers in collaboration with health professionals and social justice agencies should advocate and lobby for health insurance legislation which mandates coverage of mammogram screening services. Finally, introducing oncology social work to the curriculum of social work educational programs in Ghana is needed to prepare social workers to address psychosocial challenges relating to breast cancer.
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Buunaaim, Alexis Dun Bo-Ib, Waliu Jawula Salisu, Hawawu Hussein, Yempabe Tolgou, and Stephen Tabiri. "Knowledge of Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Practices of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Northern Ghana." Innovative Journal of Medical and Health Science 10, no. 10 (October 17, 2020): 1332–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.15520/ijmhs.v10i10.3119.
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Introduction: Breast cancer remains a major global health concern in both developed and developing countries. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge of risk factors of breast cancer (BC), and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1122 participants; consisting of nurses 157 (14.1%), teachers 227 (20.2%), undergraduate university students 339 (30.5%), medical students 95 (8.5%) and market women 304 (27.3%). Using a convenience sampling method to select the participants, we distributed questionnaires to participants which were completed and returned. Results: Most of the participants, 498 (44.4%) were between age 19-25. The majority were enlightened about BC (93.1%), and BSE (87.6%), 723 (64%) had good knowledge about the risk factors of BC. A total of 857 (76.4%) had previously been taught BSE. However, only 417 (37.2%) were found to practice BSE regularly. Conclusion: The knowledge of BC risk factors and BSE was remarkable, but varied in the various occupational categories. However, only a few participants practiced BSE regularly. There is a need for widespread educational campaigns to educate further and encourage women to practice BSE regularly. The inclusion of men in these crusades is long overdue. Equipped with the knowledge and skills of BSE, men could assist and encourage their spouses to frequently examine themselves. Further research studies will be necessary to ascertain the role of men in championing BSE among their significant others.
Keywords: awareness; breast cancer; breast self-examination; knowledge; practice; Ghana; Tamale
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Osei-Afriyie, Sandra, Albert Kwesi Addae, Samuel Oppong, Hubert Amu, Emmanuel Ampofo, and Eric Osei. "Breast cancer awareness, risk factors and screening practices among future health professionals in Ghana: A cross-sectional study." PLOS ONE 16, no. 6 (June 24, 2021): e0253373. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253373.
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Background Like many other women in the developing world, the practice of breast cancer screening among Ghanaian women is unsatisfactory. As a result, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poor outcomes including mortalities. An understanding of the awareness and predictors of breast examination is an important first step that may guide the design of interventions aimed at raising awareness across the general population. This study aimed to explore the awareness, risk factors, and self-reported screening practices of breast cancer among female undergraduate students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduate students using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using Stata Version 13.1 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed to quantify the association between regular Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Results Seventy-three per cent of the students were aware of breast cancer, with social media being the most important source of information (64.4%). The prevalence of breast cancer risk factors varied from 1% of having a personal history of breast cancer to 14.3% for positive family history of breast cancer. Current use of oral pills/injectable contraceptives was confirmed by 13.2% of participants; 20% were current alcohol users and10.1% were physically inactive. Regarding breast examination, 42.6% performed BSE; 10.1% had Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), while 2.3% had undergone mammography in the three years preceding the study. Women who did not believe to be susceptible to breast cancer (AOR: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.02–0.09) and those who did not know their risk status (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.005–0.57) were less likely to perform regular BSE compared to those who displayed pessimism. Further, women with no religious affiliation had 0.11 (95%CI: 0.02–0.55) odds of examining their breast regularly compared to Christians. Conclusion This study demonstrated moderate awareness of the modalities of breast cancer screening and the risk factors of breast cancer among the students. However, there exists a gap between awareness and practice of breast cancer screening, which was influenced by optimism in breast cancer risk perception and religion. Awareness campaigns and education should be intensified in the University to bridge this gap.
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Iddrisu, Merri, Lydia Aziato, and Florence Dedey. "A qualitative study on coping strategies of young women living with breast cancer in Ghana." International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 11 (2019): 100173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2019.100173.
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Arko-Boham, Benjamin, Bright Afriyie Owusu, Nii Ayite Aryee, Richard Michael Blay, Ewurama Dedea Ampadu Owusu, Emmanuel Ayitey Tagoe, Abdul Rashid Adams, Richard Kwasi Gyasi, Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, and Seidu Mahmood. "Prospecting for Breast Cancer Blood Biomarkers: Death-Associated Protein Kinase 1 (DAPK1) as a Potential Candidate." Disease Markers 2020 (May 25, 2020): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/6848703.
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Background. Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy in women worldwide. It is estimated to affect approximately 1.5 million women annually and responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related mortalities among women. In 2018, breast cancer mortalities stood at 627,000 women representing approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women. In Ghana, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with an incidence of 2,900 cases annually; one of eight women with the disease die. This gives impetus to the fight for improved early detection, treatment, and/management. In this light, we investigated the potential of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) as a biomarker for breast cancer. As a tumour suppressor, its expression is activated by several carcinogens to influence cellular pathways that result in apoptosis, autophagy, immune response, and proliferation. Aim. To investigate DAPK1 as a blood biomarker for breast cancer. Methods. Blood samples of participants diagnosed with breast cancer and healthy controls were collected and processed to obtain serum. Information on age, treatment, diagnosis, and pathology numbers was retrieved from folders. Pathology numbers were used to retrieve breast tissue blocks of patients at the Department of Pathology of the KBTH. Tissue blocks were sectioned and immunohistochemically stained with anti-DAPK1 and counterstained with hematoxylin to determine the DAPK1 expression levels. DAKP1 levels in blood sera were quantified using a commercial anti-DAPK1 ELISA kit. Case and control group means were compared using one-way ANOVA and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results and Discussion. DAPK1 levels were higher in sera and breast tissues of breast cancer patients than controls. The augmented DAPK1 expression can be interpreted as a stress response survival mechanism to remediate ongoing deleterious events in the cells orchestrated by carcinogenesis. In the presence of abundant DAPK1, the proliferative power of cells (both cancerous and noncancerous) is increased. This may explain why high DAPK1 expression strongly associates with aggressive breast cancer phenotypes like the ER-negative breast cancers, especially the triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) which are the most aggressive, fast-growing, and highly metastatic. Conclusion. DAPK1 is highly expressed in sera and breast tissues of breast cancer patients than nonbreast cancer participants. The elevated expression of DAKP1 in circulation rather than in breast tissues makes it a candidate for use as a blood biomarker and potential use as therapeutic target in drug development.
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Osei, Eric, Sandra Osei Afriyie, Samuel Oppong, Emmanuel Ampofo, and Hubert Amu. "Perceived Breast Cancer Risk among Female Undergraduate Students in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study." Journal of Oncology 2021 (April 16, 2021): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/8811353.
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Background. While breast cancer accounts for the highest mortality among women across the globe, little is known about its perceived risks among them. We examined the perceived risk of breast cancer among undergraduate female university students in Ghana. Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey of 358 undergraduate female students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analyses were used in analysing the data collected. All analyses were done using STATA Version 13.1. Results. Seventy-three percent were aware of breast cancer and 45.2% out of this did not perceive themselves to be at risk of breast cancer. Academic year ( p = 0.02 ), school ( p = 0.01 ), knowledge of someone with breast cancer ( p < 0.001 ), family history of breast cancer ( p < 0.001 ), current use of oral pills/injectable contraception ( p = 0.03 ), history of breast cancer screening ( p < 0.001 ), and intention to perform breast self-examination ( p < 0.001 ) were the risk factors of breast cancer risk perception. Students without a family history of breast cancer were 90% less likely to perceive breast cancer risk (AOR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.04–0.29) compared with those having a family history of breast cancer. Students who had never screened for breast cancer were also 62% less likely to perceive that they were at risk of breast cancer (AOR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.04–0.29) compared with those who had ever screened for breast cancer. Conclusion. This study showed that female university students tend to estimate their breast cancer risk based on their experience of breast cancer. Students who have ever screened for breast cancer and those with the intention to perform breast self-examination in the future are more likely to perceive themselves as being at risk and thus take action to avoid getting breast cancer.
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Jiagge, Evelyn, Joseph Kwaku Oppong, Jessica Bensenhaver, Francis Aitpillah, Kofi Gyan, Ishmael Kyei, Ernest Osei-Bonsu, et al. "Breast Cancer and African Ancestry: Lessons Learned at the 10-Year Anniversary of the Ghana-Michigan Research Partnership and International Breast Registry." Journal of Global Oncology 2, no. 5 (October 2016): 302–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.2015.002881.
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Women with African ancestry in western, sub-Saharan Africa and in the United States represent a population subset facing an increased risk of being diagnosed with biologically aggressive phenotypes of breast cancer that are negative for the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the HER2/neu marker. These tumors are commonly referred to as triple-negative breast cancer. Disparities in breast cancer incidence and outcome related to racial or ethnic identity motivated the establishment of the International Breast Registry, on the basis of partnerships between the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. This research collaborative has featured educational training programs as well as scientific investigations related to the comparative biology of breast cancer in Ghanaian African, African American, and white/European American patients. Currently, the International Breast Registry has expanded to include African American patients throughout the United States by partnering with the Sisters Network (a national African American breast cancer survivors’ organization) and additional sites in Ghana (representing West Africa) as well as Ethiopia (representing East Africa). Its activities are now coordinated through the Henry Ford Health System International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes. Herein, we review the history and results of this international program at its 10-year anniversary.
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Yvonne, O. "Breast Disorders and Africultural Coping Strategies: An Exploratory Study Among Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 6s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.20100.
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Background: The psychological cannon highlights on a new paradigm shift from the traditional models such as the bio-psychosocial model to disease and treatment to the inculcation of spirituality (Bio-psychosocial-S) in holistic treatment plan. Breast cancer is the second leading malignancy in Ghana and appears to be on the ascendency in recent times. Emerging studies have documented increasing diagnosis in premenopausal women which conflicts with previous findings. However, an attempt to handle the disease has been crippled with logistic and structural challenges. Breast cancer patients have adopted various strategies over the years in attempt to handle the structural challenges inherent in the diagnosis, treatment and post treatment plan. Using qualitative research methodology, twelve participants were conveniently sampled and interviewed. This preliminary study explored views and perceptions of breast cancer patients on breast cancer and how they have coped with the condition. Results: were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how participants make meaning of their experiences. Findings showed that socio-cultural factors play an integral role in participants' interpretations of the disease and this also informed the culture-specific coping ties which were used respectively. Implications for psychological models, treatment, and research are discussed.
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Abdulai, Martha Ali, Frank Baiden, George Adjei, and Seth Owusu-Agyei. "Low level of Hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among pregnant women in the Kintampo North Municipality: Implications for effective disease control." Ghana Medical Journal 50, no. 3 (October 12, 2016): 157–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v50i3.7.
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Background: Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and about 240 million are chronic carriers of the virus. Chronic HBV infection is an important cause of liver cancer. The infectivity of HBV is hundred times higher than the HIV virus yet it receives comparatively little attention in public health. The study assessed knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two facilities between September 2010 and November 2010. We performed analysis to determine factors associated with hepatitis B awareness.Results: Forty-one percent of the 504 women were aware of hepatitis B viral infection, 33.5% of the women were able to correctly mention the transmission routes of Hepatitis B. The radio was the most (42%) mentioned source of information on HBV and the least source of information were places of worship (2.7%).After adjusting for other factors, level of education; SSS/SHS and above OR=4.2, P<00.1, 95% CI (2.5, 7.0) and occupation (Civil servant/Student); OR= 3.8, P00.1, 95% CI (1.7, 8.5) were the important predictors of Hepatitis B awareness.Conclusion: There is a low level of knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in this municipality. This could potentially hamper effective HBV prevention and control in Ghana. Education on hepatitis B need to be included in health promotion activities.Funding: The study was funded by KHRC Director’s small grant Initiative.Keywords: Hepatitis B, knowledge, awareness, women, Ghana
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Boafo, Isaac M., and Peace Mamle Tetteh. "Self-Efficacy and Perceived Barriers as Determinants of Breast Self-Examination Among Female Nonmedical Students of the University of Ghana." International Quarterly of Community Health Education 40, no. 4 (October 25, 2019): 289–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0272684x19885501.
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Breast cancer mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is comparatively high largely because of low levels of knowledge and late presentation at hospitals. Breast self-examination (BSE) provides an important way of early detection of breast cancer, particularly for resource constrained countries. This study therefore examined the factors which influence the performance of BSE among female undergraduate nonmedical students of the University of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2018. It involved 308 students drawn from the University of Ghana. The instrument was based on the Health Belief Model and the Breast Cancer Knowledge questionnaires. The results suggest that about a quarter (23.4%) of the participants performed BSE at least once every month, despite 75.3% believing that checking the breast every month helps in early detection of breast cancer. As expected, those who had ever performed BSE had higher knowledge of breast cancer ( M = 6.722, standard deviation [ SD] = 2.090) compared with those who had never performed BSE ( M = 4.850, SD = 1.982), p = . 000. Similarly, they perceived barriers to performing BSE to be lower ( M = 17.900, SD = 5.733) compared with nonperformers ( M = 19.850, SD = 6.976), p < .05. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that knowledge level, self-efficacy, and level at the university were statistically significant predictors of BSE. Educational and training programs that focus on equipping women with the skill to perform BSE are therefore recommended.
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Asoogo, C., M. Hoyte-Williams, B. Dwobeng, D. Sam, and E. Amankwa-Frimpong. "Experiences of Patients Diagnosed and Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer in Kumasi, Ghana: A Lesion to Learn From Low-Middle Income Country." Journal of Global Oncology 4, Supplement 2 (October 1, 2018): 8s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jgo.18.40600.
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Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in Ghana. About 50% of cases seen at the oncology directorate are breast cancer-related, and 85% of these cases present in advanced stage with very poor prognosis and high mortality. Objectives: To explore and describe the experiences of patients diagnosed and living with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study design was used to involved breast cancer patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital who comes from various social and ethnic groups as well as geographically distinct areas from the vast territory of the Ashanti region and the Northern part of Ghana. Convenient sampling was used to select 120 participants for the study using semistructured questionnaire. Data of their social and demographic background and experiences living with metastatic breast cancer were obtained after seeking informed consent. Results: The study revealed that 12% of participants diagnosed and living with metastatic breast cancer experience loneliness and devastated, 22% experience fear and anxiety, while 35% experience stigma from both family and the society. Moreover, feeling of anger and hopelessness also account for 15%, 11% experience financial changes, while 5% of participants experience both physical and emotional pain with their diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations were made for policy makers, health care professionals, and other researchers. These include the need for intensified metastatic breast cancer awareness campaigns, educating health care providers on the need for professional counseling on metastatic breast cancer and the need to organized support groups, so that patients could contact each other. Emphasis should be placed on training of nurses to deal with issues relating to metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion: Generally, fear and anxiety, stigma, feeling of loneliness, devastated, anger and hopelessness, emotional and physical pain and financial changes are the variables that explain the experiences of women diagnosed and living with metastatic breast cancer. Some support groups has shown an improvement, therefore efforts to raise public awareness of metastatic breast cancer should be continued. The current study became imperative to fill this identified gap and improve health interventions and health outcomes for metastatic breast cancer patients in future.
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William, M., G. Kuffour, E. Ekuadzi, M. Yeboah, M. ElDuah, and P. Tuffour. "Assessment of psychological barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Kumasi, Ghana using a mixed methods approach." African Health Sciences 13, no. 4 (February 1, 2014): 1054. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v13i4.28.
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Kugbey, Nuworza, Kwaku Oppong Asante, and Anna Meyer-Weitz. "Doctor–patient relationship mediates the effects of shared decision making on health-related quality of life among women living with breast cancer." South African Journal of Psychology 49, no. 3 (October 2, 2018): 364–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0081246318801159.
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Decreased quality of life is a major challenge among women living with breast cancer due to treatment effects and other psychosocial comorbidities. However, shared decision making and doctor–patient relationship have been linked to improved quality of life, but the mechanism linking shared decision making and quality of life is poorly understood. This study therefore examined both the direct and indirect influences of shared decision making on quality of life through doctor–patient relationship among 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana with a mean age of 52.49 years. Using a cross-sectional design, participants were administered questionnaires which measured quality of life, doctor–patient relationship, and shared decision making. Results showed that shared decision making had significant indirect influence on overall quality of life via doctor–patient relationships ( b = 4.69, 95% confidence interval = [0.006, 9.555]). Shared decision making had a significant effect on doctor–patient relationships ( b = 7.63, t = 6.76, p < .001) but no significant direct effect on quality of life ( b = 2.72, t = 0.510, p = .61). Findings suggest that shared decision making results in improved doctor–patient relationships which probably lead to better quality of life among women living with breast cancer. These findings underscore the need for increased patient involvement in medical decisions to improve interpersonal relationships and consequently quality of life.
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Gyedu, A., C. E. Gaskill, G. Boakye, B. Anderson, and B. Stewart. "Perceptions of Breast Cancer among Muslim Women in Ghana: An Opportunity for Targeted Breast Health Education in Sub Saharan Africa." Annals of Global Health 83, no. 1 (April 7, 2017): 81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2017.03.178.
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Young, Maria R., Julia M. Kramer, Jeffrey B. Chu, Jeffrey V. Hong, Kathleen H. Sienko, and Carolyn M. Johnston. "A Cervical Cancer Screening Trainer for Use in Low-Resource Settings." International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering, Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship 11, no. 1 (June 1, 2016): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.24908/ijsle.v11i1.6323.
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Each year, cervical cancer causes the death of over 275,000 women worldwide with eighty percent of these cases occurring in low or lower-middle income countries. Cervical cancer screening programs reduce cervical cancer occurrence by identifying and treating pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities before they develop to malignant stages. Standard methods of screening are inappropriate for use in low-resource settings and therefore screening is very limited. Based on a design ethnography studyperformed over a two-month period in Ghana, a need was identified for a low-fidelity model to assist in training healthcare providers to screen for cervical cancer using visual inspection with acetic acid. The design presented in this paper is a box trainer with a simulated vaginal cavity that allows a user to insert cervical images displayed on plastic tabs or cards from the Jhpiego Visual Inspection of the Cervix Flash Card Set©. A modular electronic feedback mechanism trains the user to properly complete the steps of the screening procedure and to track the successes of their diagnoses. This paper describes the need for a cervical cancer screening trainer, the process used to design a trainer to support visual inspection with acetic acid, and the results of prototyping and preliminary usability tests.
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Kugbey, Nuworza, Kwaku Oppong Asante, and Anna Meyer-Weitz. "Depression, anxiety and quality of life among women living with breast cancer in Ghana: mediating roles of social support and religiosity." Supportive Care in Cancer 28, no. 6 (September 13, 2019): 2581–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-05027-1.
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Ayettey Anie, Hannah, Joel Yarney, Olutobi Sanuade, Shivanshu Awasthi, Tom Akuetteh Ndanu, Akash D. Parekh, Charles Aidoo, Mary Ann Dadzie, Verna Vanderpuye, and Kosj Yamoah. "Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Retrospective Analysis of Recurrence and Survival in Women Treated for Breast Cancer at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana." JCO Global Oncology, no. 7 (June 2021): 965–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/go.20.00664.
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PURPOSE It is established that addition of systemic therapy to locoregional treatment for breast cancer improves survival. However, reliable data are lacking about the outcomes of such treatment in women with breast cancer in low middle-income countries. We compared the outcomes of treatment in patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) or adjuvant chemotherapy and examined the factors associated with breast cancer recurrence and survival at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. The medical charts of women with breast cancer managed at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre from 2005 to 2014 were reviewed. A total of 388 patients with a median follow-up of 48 months were included in the study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of recurrence. Survival was estimated using cox proportional hazards model. All models were adjusted with clinicopathologic variables. A P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Fifty-nine percent received adjuvant chemotherapy. In an adjusted logistic model, no difference was observed in locoregional recurrence between patients receiving NACT compared with those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.44 to 2.47). However, NACT recipients had a higher likelihood of distant recurrence (odds ratio = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.15). In a multivariable analysis, no differences were observed in overall survival between the two chemotherapy groups (hazard ratio = 1.43; 95% CI, 0.91 to 2.26). CONCLUSION NACT yields similar outcomes compared with adjuvant chemotherapy; however, recipients of NACT with advanced disease may have more distant failures. Early detection in a resource-limited setting is therefore crucial to optimal outcomes, significantly limiting recurrence and improving survival.
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Adams, Abdul Rashid, Priscillia Awo Nortey, Benjamin Ansah Dortey, Richard Harry Asmah, and Edwin Kwame Wiredu. "Cervical Human Papillomavirus Prevalence, Genotypes, and Associated Risk Factors among Female Sex Workers in Greater Accra, Ghana." Journal of Oncology 2019 (June 2, 2019): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/8062176.
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Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease mediated by persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (Hr-HPV). There are now three approved vaccines against the most common HPV genotypes. In Ghana, mortality due to cervical cancer is on the rise, due to the absence of an organized and effective cervical cancer prevention and control program. Data on circulating HPV genotypes is important for studying the likely impact of mass introduction of HPV vaccination of the female population before sexual debut. High HPV prevalence has been reported in Female Sex Workers (FSWs), who constitute an important active group for maintenance of HPV in the population. This study was conducted to determine the size of HPV prevalence in this group and to provide information for future assessment of the impact of vaccine introduction in the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study where the snowballing technique was used to identify and select FSW’s ≥18 years, operating within suburbs of Greater Accra Region (GAR). A risk factor assessment interview was conducted and cervical swabs were collected for HPV-DNA detection and genotyping by Nested Multiplex PCR. Hundred participants, age ranging from 18 to 45 years, median 24 years, were studied. The prevalence of Cervical HPV was 26%. Eleven genotypes were detected comprising 9 high-risk in order of decreasing prevalence HPV-16 (8%), HPV-35 (5%), HPV-33/39/-68 (3%), HPV-52/51/59 (2%) and HPV-18 (1%) and 2 Low-risk types, HPV-42(3%), and HPV-43 (1%). Three women had HPV types that could not be genotyped by our method. Oral contraceptives use was associated with a reduced chance of HPV infection (P=0.002; OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.54). This study found a high HPV prevalence among FSWs in the GAR. A high number of Hr-HPV genotypes seen are vaccine preventable, providing additional compelling argument for implementing a national cervical cancer prevention plan including vaccination.