2nd Edition of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery World Conference 2026

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major public health concern and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with an estimated 685,000 deaths recorded in 2020 . Breast reconstruction is a vital component of breast cancer care, yet it is rarely practiced in many regions including Ghana. Mastectomy alone has been associated with greater psychosocial morbidity when compared to mastectomy with breast reconstruction. In Ghana, few studies have assessed awareness, while evidence on the perception and acceptability remains limited. This study assessed these factors and identified barriers that limit the uptake of the procedure.

Methods
A quantitative cross sectional study design was used and was conducted among 120 women attending the breast clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from a previously validated instrument and were then analyzed using Stata 17. Convenience sampling was used for this study and participants characteristics were summarzed using descriptive statistics, while chi-square tests examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and awareness and acceptability.
Though there is low awareness of breast reconstruction among our study population, the perception was favourable with particicipants willing to undergo reconstruction if medically indicated. These findings also suggest that inadequate awareness and financial barriers, may represent important barriers to breast reconstruction. Integrating breast reconstruction discussions into surgical decision making and improving access to reconstructive services is important and may promote more equitable and sustainable breast cancer care in Ghana.