Background and Rationale

Female breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. In Ghana, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women and despite years of advocacy for early reporting and early treatment for breast cancer, patients with the disease still report late and default recommended treatment.

They also face sociocultural ordeals such as stigmatization, ostracization and spiritual associations. This project is aimed at establishing a healthcare support system by engaging the families of patients with breast cancer and the communities where they live through education and mentorship ot help improve early reporting of the condition and adherence to recommended treatment.

Aim

To establish healthcare support systems and engage communities through education and mentorship to optimize breast cancer management in Ghana

Objectives

1. To assess anxiety levels, knowledge on symptoms, diagnosis and preparedness of breast cancer patients for treatment adherence at first diagnosis in five regions of Ghana.
2. To produce culturally sensitive materials to educate patients, patient families, health care providers and the community to address myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.
3. To provide emotional support using survivorship groups to guide patients and family members as they navigate through the disease process.
4. To train and equip survivors and health care personnel as navigators with needed skills to engage in breast care outreach programs for continuity of care and education.

Target Population

Breast cancer patients, Families and care givers, Survivors, Health care personnel, Community leaders, School children and the public.

Project Outcomes

We expect that there will be decrease in anxiety levels, increase in knowledge on diagnosis and treatment options and improvement in treatment adherence. We also expect that in addressing the myths and misconceptions, the study wil significantly reduce the negative sociocultural beliefs associated with BC and minimize the fear of stigmatization previously entertained by recipients.