Opinions of Saturday, 12 October 2024

Columnist: Dorinda Mawuenya Quashie

Hair, healing, and help: No one should face breast cancer alone

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October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a disease that affects millions globally.

This year’s theme, “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” resonates deeply with me, not only as the CEO of WE-Naturals, a hair care brand, but also as someone who has witnessed how cancer transforms lives.

At WE-Naturals, I’ve met women and a few men whose cancer journeys have left them battling hair loss from chemotherapy. For many, hair is more than just appearance—it’s tied to their identity, and its loss can be deeply emotional.

It’s about the overwhelming sense of isolation some feel while fighting cancer. Recently, during a two-day product pop-up shop we held in London for our tenth anniversary, few+ customers came in for hair care products and counseling after experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.

That experience reinforced how crucial support is—not just physically, but emotionally—in helping them regain a sense of self.

The critical need for support

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally, with 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. In Ghana, over 4,000 women face this diagnosis annually, and many lack access to timely care. Sadly, in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly half of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection remains key to survival, yet many women don’t seek help until symptoms become severe due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness.

This is where support becomes invaluable. I’ve seen how much a caring community can ease the journey of cancer patients.

At WE-Naturals, we don’t just offer hair care solutions to those facing hair loss. We listen. We create safe spaces. We offer compassion and reassurance. These simple gestures mean the world to those in the midst of their battle.

Early detection saves lives

While support is crucial, early detection is equally vital. When breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Unfortunately, far too many women wait until it’s too late.

As a community, we must normalize breast self-exams and encourage routine screenings. Early detection is our strongest weapon.
We can no longer let fear and stigma steal lives.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all women to prioritize their health—because early testing can save lives.

Beyond the Cure: Emotional recovery

Cancer survival doesn’t end with treatment. Rebuilding confidence, regrowing hair, and rediscovering joy are all part of the healing process. At WE-Naturals, I’ve seen customers return after their treatments, embracing their new hair and reclaiming their strength.

Their resilience is inspiring, but their recovery is made easier with the care, kindness, and understanding of those around them.

As the CEO of a natural hair care brand, I believe beauty transcends appearance. True beauty lies in supporting one another through life’s challenges, and no one should face cancer alone. This October, let us do more than raise awareness—let us take action.

Let’s be there for those who need us, encourage early detection, and create a world where no one fights this battle in isolation.