Breast cancer remains a significant global health issue, causing 670,000 deaths worldwide in 2022. Alarmingly, nearly half of all cases occur in women without identifiable risk factors, underlining the importance of awareness and early detection. As the most prevalent cancer among women in 157 out of 185 countries, breast cancer poses severe challenges to both personal health and workforce productivity, with Black women being disproportionately affected.
In 2022, 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer. There are stark disparities in outcomes based on a country’s Human Development Index (HDI). In high-HDI countries, one in 12 women receives a diagnosis, while in low-HDI countries, the figure is one in 27. Notably, survival rates are lower among Black women, who are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease. This delay in diagnosis leads to decreased workforce participation, lower household income, and an increase in healthcare costs, particularly for women in low-HDI countries.
A recent study conducted at the University of Health and Allied Sciences highlighted the gap in breast cancer awareness. While 73% of female undergraduate students were aware of breast cancer, only 42.6% regularly performed breast self-examinations (BSE). This lack of early detection can be detrimental, especially in low-resource settings where access to screenings is limited. Early-stage breast cancer is often asymptomatic, making routine screenings essential to prompt intervention, which can save lives and preserve livelihoods.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease but often involves surgery, radiation, and medication. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes and allows patients to return to their roles more swiftly, minimizing interruptions to their professional and personal lives. Countries with successful breast cancer mortality reduction strategies, such as those involving early detection and comprehensive treatment access, have seen corresponding increases in the productivity of their female workforce.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken steps to address this issue through its Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), which aims to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually, potentially saving 2.5 million lives by 2040. In Ghana, where screening practices are often inadequate, many breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to higher mortality rates and significant economic strain on individuals and families. Many women, especially in rural areas, face the dual burden of losing income while seeking costly treatment.
The financial and emotional impact of breast cancer on patients and their families cannot be overlooked. As women battle the disease, their ability to work is often severely affected, resulting in a loss of income that can worsen the already high cost of treatment. This issue is especially pronounced in communities where women are primary earners or support their households financially. In addition to personal suffering, productivity loss at the national level compounds the challenge, as businesses face disruptions in the workforce and incur higher healthcare costs.
For companies, supporting breast cancer awareness and early detection among employees is essential not only for the well-being of their workforce but also for enhancing productivity and reducing long-term healthcare costs. By encouraging routine screenings, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting workplace health programs, businesses can play a crucial role in reducing the impact of breast cancer on productivity.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes, targeted awareness campaigns for Black women are vital for promoting early detection and intervention. By educating communities about risk factors and increasing access to screening resources, Ghana and other low-HDI countries can improve survival rates, mitigate income loss, and ultimately support women in maintaining their livelihoods during and after breast cancer treatment.
