MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Chief Executive Officer of Bukonjadeh Group of Companies, Elton Johns, has urged the Liberian government, businesses, and civil society organizations to work together to reduce the financial burden of breast cancer care and improve access to treatment.
Johns made the appeal in an interview with Liberia Excellent News Network (LENN) during activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. He stressed that addressing the disease requires broader participation from both public and private institutions, particularly in supporting patients who cannot afford medical services.
According to Johns, the cost of cancer treatment leaves some families struggling to secure the care their loved ones need. He said businesses and individuals could help by contributing financially to patient assistance programs and other initiatives aimed at addressing the disease.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” he said, calling for a collective response to complement government efforts and provide relief to affected families.
Johns also encouraged the Ministry of Health to explore opportunities to expand cancer treatment services beyond Monrovia, noting that patients in counties outside the capital may face additional challenges accessing specialized medical care.
He expressed concern that some patients are unable to begin treatment because of financial constraints.
“There are individuals who have never gone through the treatment. They have never started the first dose,” Johns said.
To help address the problem, he proposed that supermarkets, commercial establishments, and other private businesses consider voluntary fundraising arrangements to support patients’ medical bills and contribute to cancer research.
He maintained that small donations, when combined through coordinated efforts, could help provide assistance to people facing the high cost of treatment.
The Bukonjadeh Group chief further urged the public to take unusual breast changes seriously and seek medical assessment rather than delay seeking care. He noted that breast cancer affects both women and men, although it is considerably more common among women.
As part of its activities, the company had employees wear pink clothing to show support for breast cancer survivors and people undergoing treatment. Some customers were also invited to participate in the gathering.
Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the most common cancer among women worldwide and remains a significant public health concern.
Possible warning signs include a new lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple inversion, or unusual nipple discharge. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they require assessment by a qualified health professional.
Early diagnosis is important because identifying the disease before it advances can improve treatment outcomes. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted medicines.
Access to these services can be challenging where diagnostic facilities, specialized personnel, and treatment options are limited or costly. For patients with limited financial resources, the expenses associated with testing, medication, transportation, and follow-up care may create additional obstacles.
Public health efforts therefore emphasize timely medical evaluation, appropriate screening based on individual risk and clinical guidance, and improved access to diagnostic and treatment services.
Johns said stronger cooperation among government institutions, private businesses, and community organizations could help ease the financial pressures faced by patients and improve access to care across Liberia.
