One woman dies from breast cancer in every 69 seconds somewhere around the world. More than 1,300,000 women died from breast cancer globally in 2010, and 2062 women were diagnosed with the disease in Ghana, a country which ranks 10th in the burden of the disease in Africa (Globacan sources). However, breast cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed earlier.

On Saturday, October 26, 2012, the young and the old could contribute to the walk in search of a cure by joining the first ever Breast Care International Ghana Walk for the Cure. The Walk is the country’s largest and most successful education event for breast cancer.

In 2011 and 2012, the Susan G. Komen Ghana Race for the Cure was held in Kumasi. The two events attracted over 13,000 and 20,000 participants respectively. This year’s Walk, which is the first in Accra, is expected to attract 30,000 participants from all over the country. Several international participants will also join the Walk.

The Ghana Walk for the Cure presented by Breast Cancer Awareness Creation and Research Organization, Breast Care International (BCI), is open to the general public.

Participants in this pioneering annual walk would all converge at the Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra, from where they will walk through the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to UTC, to King Tackie Roundabout and through the Makola Market. Participants will proceed to the Fire Service area and to the Aflao lorry station. Participants will then make their way to the Kinbu Gardens, the Metro Mass Transport and finally to the Accra Sports Stadium. Awareness about breast cancer will be created by providing information on the disease to the participants and the general public.

Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of BCI, notes that: “our organization thought it timely to start the Walk series, as we believe that in our own inimitable and special Ghanaian way, we could contribute to raising and increasing awareness on this disease, which affects us all in varying degrees - women, men and children. This event would focus on a serious issue-preventing the untimely death from breast cancer. However, we aim to have fun in the process. Highlights at the end of the walk would include a concert and glimpses into the lives of some cancer survivors”.

The Walk would showcase survivorship to reduce the fear associated with breast cancer, which has scared many people from seeking appropriate care. “The diagnosis of the disease MUST NOT be equal to death” she adds.

“Corporate organizations are also encouraged to join in raising even more awareness of this event by offering their time, products, services or by donating towards this very worthy cause.

Please do join us in this Walk to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer may lead to high survival rates.”