By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Mama Fiawotoe I, popularly known as Royal Elorm and elder sister of the late Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo Baah, has revealed her fear of developing breast cancer after losing three of her sisters and their father to the disease.
Royal Elorm made the revelation during an exclusive interview with Gifty Anti on The Standpoint, in an edition dedicated to the life of the late actress and breast cancer awareness.
Asked whether she feared being diagnosed with the disease, which has claimed the lives of four members of her family, Royal Elorm admitted that she was deeply frightened but was taking extra precautions to protect her health.
“Very, very, very scared,” she responded.
She explained that her family’s painful experience with breast cancer had made her more conscious of her health, prompting her to undergo regular medical check-ups and pay close attention to unusual changes in her body.
According to her, she examines her breasts regularly for lumps, checks under her armpits for abnormalities and has become more mindful of her diet. She also disclosed that she was reducing her alcohol consumption as part of her efforts to take better care of herself.
“Fortunately for me, because of the experiences that I have, I am taking more precautions to control the fact that I will see it early and prevent it. I do constant checking and check my diet, what I eat, and cutting down on liquors,” she said.
Four family members lost to breast cancer
Royal Elorm recounted that her father was the first in the family to die from the disease, followed by her elder sister Doreen, her half-sister Dzifa and, eventually, Beverly.
She disclosed that Beverly was also aware of their family’s history with breast cancer and took her medical check-ups seriously. However, despite her efforts to monitor her health, the actress was eventually diagnosed with the disease.
“She was scared. She was also scared, but she was on top of her medical check-ups. But I don’t know how… it just took her by surprise. Because my father had it, then came my big sister Doreen, then my half-sister Dzifa, then Beverly. So, so far, four,” she revealed.
Her account highlights the fear and uncertainty that can accompany a family history of cancer, particularly when several close relatives have been affected by the same disease.
How Beverly Afaglo discovered the cancer
Recounting the circumstances surrounding Beverly’s diagnosis, Royal Elorm explained that the actress initially discovered a lump under her arm, which she thought was a boil.
Beverly reportedly sought medical attention and received medication, but the lump continued to grow despite the treatment.
She was subsequently referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where the lump was examined before further testing was conducted at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The tests confirmed that the lump was cancerous.
According to Royal Elorm, Beverly underwent surgery to remove the lump, but another developed in the same area, requiring further surgeries, radiation treatment and medication.
Despite the efforts of the medical team and the family, the cancer continued to spread and eventually affected her spine.
The actress died within a year of her diagnosis, leaving her family devastated by the loss.
Beverly remained hopeful despite her condition
Beyond the physical and medical challenges, Royal Elorm remembered Beverly as a woman of strong faith who remained optimistic about her recovery, even when doctors reportedly gave her only two months to live.
She said the late actress refused to accept the possibility of death and repeatedly assured her family that she would recover.
Royal Elorm recalled asking Beverly about the future of her businesses and how she wanted her children to be cared for should her condition worsen. However, those conversations often upset the actress, who insisted that she would not die.
“I kept asking, who do you want to entrust all your businesses to? She said, ‘I won’t die.’ I asked her how she wanted me to treat her children. Should I take them abroad? Should they go to their dad? She said, ‘I won’t die. Sister Elorm, stop asking me these questions,’” she recounted.
For Royal Elorm, the memories remain painful reminders of her sister’s determination to live and her refusal to give up hope, even as her health deteriorated.
Describes Beverly as a strong and responsible woman
Reflecting on Beverly’s character, Royal Elorm described her as a strong woman who carried herself with the courage associated with Ghanaian historical figure Yaa Asantewaa and their mother.
She explained that Beverly remained committed to her responsibilities as a mother and businesswoman throughout her illness, continuing to fulfil her duties despite the difficulties she faced.
Royal Elorm’s account portrayed the late actress as someone who remained determined to care for her family and sustain her businesses while fighting the disease.
‘Life has been boring’ since Beverly’s death
Royal Elorm also opened up about the emotional impact of losing her younger sister, revealing that life has become boring since Beverly’s passing.
She explained that the two shared a close bond and spent much of their time together, often going almost everywhere together.
The loss has made it difficult for her to adjust to life without her sister, and she disclosed that she has increasingly found herself spending more time indoors.
Her reflections offered a glimpse into the personal grief behind the public loss of the actress, whose death has left a lasting impact on her family.
Royal Elorm’s story also brings renewed attention to breast cancer awareness, the importance of seeking medical attention when unusual symptoms appear, and the need for people with a strong family history of cancer to discuss appropriate screening and risk assessment with qualified healthcare professionals.
While regular self-awareness can help people notice changes in their bodies, breast self-examination alone cannot prevent cancer or reliably rule it out. Anyone who notices a new lump or other unusual breast changes should seek medical evaluation promptly.
For Royal Elorm, the memories of her father and three sisters remain a source of fear, but they have also strengthened her determination to take her health seriously and remain vigilant.
