Ms. Naana Akyaa Asante is a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Embrace Society, a breast cancer support foundation. Her personal journey with breast cancer has inspired her to create a platform that prevents deaths caused by this disease through a multi-faceted approach.

Ms. Asante’s background as a registered nurse with over 27 years of clinical experience in Women & Children’s health, home care, and school nursing has been invaluable in shaping Embrace Society’s mission. Her work in prestigious New York hospitals, including New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell, Columbia Presbyterian, Albert Einstein, Vasser, Good Samaritan Hospital and Korle Bu, has given her a deep understanding of the healthcare industry. In addition to her work with Embrace Society, she serves as the founder and CEO of Isabella HealthCare Services, a leading medical supply company specializing in disposable surgical drapes and gowns. Her current role as the 15th board chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and her past role as a board member of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital demonstrate her commitment to improving healthcare at both local and national levels. She received a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Howard University, Washington D.C.

In continuous pursuit of knowledge and growth, she has participated in prestigious programs such as the 2023 Vital Voices Grow – a Global Accelerator Program for Females, Women’s Entrepreneurship & Leadership for Africa (WELA) at the China Europe International Business School, African Management Institutes’, Aspire Program which is supported by Stanford University and Growth Africa Business Accelerator Program. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Asante’s passion lies in empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions and adopt lifestyle choices that promote overall well-being. In summary, Naana Akyaa Asante’s inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor, coupled with her visionary leadership in founding Embrace Society and her notable contributions to the healthcare industry, exemplifies her dedication to creating positive change and improving the lives of breast cancer patients and the broader community.

On April 1st, 2015, my life took a sharp turn as I received a diagnosis that no one wants to hear: Stage O breast cancer, also known as Ductus Carcinoma in Situ. It felt like my world was falling apart, and I was scared, unsure of what to do next. But then I met the incredible Dr. Karen Karsif, an Oncology Surgeon at The Good Samaritan Hospital in New York, who “EMBRACED” me with open arms and told me I would be okay. Her warmth, compassion, and expertise gave me the strength to face my diagnosis head-on.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Dr. Karsif and her team at the Center for Breast Health, I underwent a successful double mastectomy, avoiding radiation treatment, hormone medication, and reducing the risk of cancer reoccurring. It wasn’t an easy journey, but with their support, I emerged on the other side feeling like a warrior.

Now, looking back, I realize that I’m okay for so many reasons. I’m okay because I was able to detect the cancer early, I had access to the best healthcare services and treatment options, and I had health insurance. I’m okay because I had the power to make informed treatment decisions that were right for me, and because I had a community of people praying for me every step of the way.

My breast cancer experience I realised is a luxury for many breast cancer patients in Ghana. Too often, lack of funding, inadequate healthcare services, or even just fear and ignorance can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why I am so passionate about the work of the Embrace Society, an organization dedicated to replicating the care and support that I received from Dr. Karsif and her team. We are on a mission to positively impact the lives of those affected by breast cancer in Ghana, to ensure that they receive the same level of care and compassion that I did. Because no one should have to face cancer alone, and everyone deserves access to the best healthcare possible. All because of that one Embrace from Dr Karsif.

Embrace Society’s mission revolves around awareness creation, providing crucial support to patients, and navigating the complex healthcare system. With 21 dedicated patient navigators placed in 15 hospitals across the country with support from Roche, Embrace Society ensures that breast cancer patients receive the necessary assistance and care. Additionally, the foundation advocates for knowledge transfer, research, and policies that drive progress in the field of breast cancer. To achieve its ambitious goals, Embrace Society actively collaborates with national and international organizations that share similar objectives.