In the Manyo Krobo area, a deep-rooted cultural belief continues to endanger the lives of women, with many viewing breast cancer as a curse from the gods.
Madam Gertrude Koomson, former Communications Director of the Volta River Authority (VRA), highlighted this troubling mindset during an interview with The High Street Journal. She explained that for most women in the area, the disease is seen as one that can only be cured through spiritual intervention, not medical treatment.
“They believe it must be treated by the gods, and any hospital therapy will only lead to death,” Koomson said.
The fear of seeking medical attention, especially for mastectomies, is even more prevalent. According to Koomson, many women believe that removing a breast disfigures them and jeopardizes their marriages.
“Mastectomy is a no, no, no because it will affect their marriage,” she said. These damaging myths have led to a situation where women are not only afraid of surgery but also reject any form of medical treatment for the condition.
Koomson, who has been instrumental in breast cancer awareness campaigns in the area, emphasized that these cultural beliefs need to be tackled head-on.
The region’s lack of understanding about breast cancer treatments is alarming, and despite numerous efforts to educate the population, the misconceptions persist. “People are afraid that hospital therapy will deform and kill them,” she lamented.
These views are passed down through generations, creating a cycle of misinformation and fear that prevents women from seeking early detection and treatment. Health experts agree that early intervention, including surgery like mastectomy, can hugely improve the survival rate, but this message has not fully reached the communities in Manyo Krobo. The stigma surrounding breast cancer remains one of the biggest barriers to fighting the disease.
Madam Koomson, through her efforts, has been trying to create awareness to change the narrative. However, she admits that cultural change is slow. Traditional leaders, opinion makers, and health workers must work together to break these myths. Without this collaboration, the lives of many women in the area will continue to be at risk.
