Every October, the world turns pink to remind us of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Amid the global campaigns and awareness drives, one Ghanaian healthcare facility stands out for its consistent commitment to early detection and patient education — Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Center.
At Sonotech’s Accra branch, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just symbolic ribbons and slogans. It’s a mission in motion. In an exclusive conversation, Dr. Grace Buckman, Medical Director of Sonotech, shared how a single heartbreaking experience reshaped the center’s outlook on breast health and advocacy.
From a Small Facility to a National Leader
Founded in 2012 as a small ultrasound facility in Osu, Sonotech began with a simple but bold mission: to make diagnostic services available at all hours.
“At the time,” Dr. Buckman recalled, “getting an ultrasound at night or on weekends was nearly impossible. Yet emergencies don’t wait. We promised to be available 24/7.”
That promise became the foundation for growth. Over 12 years, Sonotech has expanded into a fully equipped medical and diagnostic center with branches in Teshie, West Hills, and Tema. It now offers a broad range of services — from laboratory testing and radiology to advanced imaging like CT scans and MRIs.
A Tragic Turning Point
Sonotech’s deeper involvement in breast cancer advocacy began with a moment of loss. “One of our regular patients was rushed in unconscious,” Dr. Buckman recalled. “We later discovered she had been diagnosed with breast cancer five years earlier but had abandoned treatment. The cancer had spread to her brain.”
That experience, she said, was devastating. “I felt we could have done more. If we had asked more questions or created a space for her to talk, maybe things would’ve been different.”
It was a turning point. The Sonotech team decided to go beyond diagnosis — to educate, advocate, and ensure no woman suffered in silence again.
Creating Awareness That Saves Lives
Today, Sonotech is one of Ghana’s leading advocates for breast cancer awareness. Their campaigns align with the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which aims for 60% of cases to be detected at early stages (1 or 2).
“Every person who walks through our doors leaves with some education on breast health,” said Dr. Buckman. Across Sonotech’s branches, educational videos play continuously, while nurses teach patients how to perform self-examinations. Beyond the clinic, the center collaborates with schools, companies, and churches for community outreaches and media discussions.
And it’s making a difference. “Ten years ago, only a few people wore pink or talked about screening,” she smiled. “Now, survivors share their stories, and organizations host screenings. That’s progress.”
Breaking Barriers and Misconceptions
Still, challenges persist — from stigma to misinformation. “In the early days, survivors rarely wanted to speak publicly,” Dr. Buckman noted. “Even men who survived breast cancer stayed quiet. But sharing stories changes perceptions. It gives others courage to act early.”
She also lamented the widespread belief in herbal cures and unproven treatments. “It’s heartbreaking when people delay medical care because they trust concoctions or prayer camps. Early detection and proper treatment save over 90% of lives.”
Financial barriers and uneven access to diagnostic tools are also hurdles. “Some can’t even afford discounted screenings,” she said. “Others travel long distances because there’s no mammogram machine nearby. We need better access.”
Faces of Courage: A Celebration of Survivors
This year, Sonotech launched its signature campaign — “Faces of Courage: Stories of Survival.”
“In previous years, we’d invite survivors to talk,” Dr. Buckman said. “This time, we wanted to celebrate them.”
Partnering with local businesses, Sonotech hosted a pamper day — complete with hairstyling, spa sessions, photoshoots, and gifts. “It was emotional,” she said. “They felt seen and appreciated. That’s what awareness should be — healing and hope.”
A Call to Action
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence,” Dr. Buckman emphasized. She urges women to perform monthly self-exams, get clinical checks yearly, and schedule mammograms after age 40. For younger women, ultrasound screening is recommended.
Her appeal to policymakers is clear: “No woman should have to travel hundreds of kilometers for screening. The government must make diagnostic and treatment facilities accessible across all regions.”
As Ghana marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Grace Buckman and her team at Sonotech prove that awareness, access, and compassion can change lives. Through their dedication, more Ghanaians are learning that early detection isn’t just a slogan — it’s a lifeline.
