BREAKING THE SILENCE: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BREAST CANCER AND WHY AWARENESS MATTERS IN GHANA

When Misinformation Becomes Dangerous

Breast cancer is one of the most talked-about cancers globally, yet in Ghana, it remains deeply misunderstood. During my work in cancer awareness and social work, I repeatedly encountered beliefs that were not only inaccurate but also dangerous. From myths about bras and mobile phones to the belief that breast cancer affects only women, misinformation continues to delay screening and cost lives.

This blog article draws from my conference research conducted during my fieldwork with Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, combining academic literature with data gathered from awareness campaigns and surveys across Ghana. 

Examples of the misconceptions captured in students' artworks during the awareness campaign at Ave-Dapka Senior High School.

Understanding Breast Cancer Beyond the Myths

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue, most often in the ducts or lobules. According to the World Health Organization, over 2.3 million women were diagnosed globally in 2020, with nearly 685,000 deaths recorded worldwide.

In Ghana, the situation is particularly concerning. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, yet awareness remains low, and screening opportunities are limited. Research shows that nearly 70% of women diagnosed in Ghana present at advanced stages, drastically reducing survival chances.

The Cost of Misconceptions

One of the central findings of my research was how misconceptions shape behavior, especially decisions about screening and treatment.

Some of the most common myths identified include:

  • Breast cancer only affects women.

  • Wearing a bra for long hours causes breast cancer.

  • Keeping a mobile phone in a bra causes breast cancer.

  • Consuming sugar directly causes breast cancer.

  • All breast lumps are cancerous.

  • A healthy lifestyle eliminates the risk entirely.

  • Having tattoos can cause breast cancer.

Scientific evidence shows that none of these myths are proven causes. While lifestyle factors influence risk, they do not eliminate it. Early detection through screening and self-examination remains critical.


Livingstone Delali Agbo facilitated a session on cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle at the Akatsi Senior High Technical School.

How the Research was Conducted and What the Data Revealed

To better understand the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer in Ghana, I conducted both online and in-person surveys during cancer awareness campaigns.

A total of 290 respondents participated:

  • 95 responses were collected online via Google Forms

  • 140 responses were gathered from Senior High School students

  • Additional responses came from participants at awareness events

The survey included 23 open- and closed-ended questions, designed to explore the following:

  • Knowledge of breast cancer

  • Understanding of symptoms and risk factors

  • Beliefs about common myths

  • Attitudes toward screening and awareness

Respondents ranged across age groups, with the majority (71.6%) between 18 and 40 years old. 51.6% were students and 55.8% were male. Importantly, over half of the participants were male, reinforcing that breast cancer awareness must involve everyone, not just women.

Key findings included:

  • 80.9% correctly identified that breast cancer does not affect only women.

  • 66.3% understood that not all breast lumps are cancerous.

  • 95.8% agreed that more awareness is urgently needed.

  • A significant number are still confused about symptoms, causes, and screening options

These results clearly point to partial awareness mixed with persistent myths.

Survey questions were printed and distributed to students to review and complete at the awareness-raising events.

Stories That Stay With You

Beyond statistics, the most powerful lessons came from real stories shared during awareness events.

One teacher shared how his wife was taken to a herbalist who forced her to drink soapy water as a “cure” for a breast lump. Her condition worsened until she was rushed to a hospital for surgery. An intervention that ultimately saved her life.

Another school head recounted how a delayed and incorrect diagnosis at a local facility nearly cost his wife her life, until she received proper care at a more equipped hospital in Accra. These stories underline a painful truth: misinformation doesn’t just confuse, it kills.

Why Must Awareness Be Everyone’s Responsibility?

An encouraging outcome of the research was the growing recognition that awareness is a collective duty. Over 57% of respondents believed that health workers, teachers, cancer survivors, and community leaders must all be involved in education efforts.

My awareness campaigns conducted in senior high schools and community spaces showed that knowledge changes attitudes. Students who initially held myths were able to correct them after structured discussions and engagement.

What Needs to Change?

This research reinforces several urgent needs:

  1. Expanded breast cancer awareness programs, especially in schools.

  2. Accessible screening services, particularly in rural areas.

  3. Stronger public health communication to counter myths.

  4. Community-based education, not just hospital-based interventions.

This research has strengthened my conviction that education is one of the most powerful forms of prevention. When people understand breast cancer, they are more likely to seek early screening, resist harmful misinformation, and support others in doing the same. Awareness saves lives, but only if it reaches the right people at the right time. Breast cancer should not be a silent killer, especially not because of myths we can correct.

Livingstone responded to students' queries at the cancer awareness-raising event held at the Akatsi SHTS.

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