Breast cancer has emerged as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Ghana, with nearly 5,000 new cases and 2,600 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Experts attribute the high mortality rate to late presentation, as many patients seek medical attention only after the disease has progressed.
Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), highlighted these figures in a speech delivered on his behalf at a Breast Health Fair held in Mantse Agbona, Jamestown, on Tuesday. The event, organised by the GHS alongside partner organisations, operated under the theme “Early detection, lifesaving action” and aimed to boost awareness, promote early screening, and streamline care pathways.
The fair was part of nationwide activities marking Breast Cancer Month in October and offered free health services including clinical breast examinations, health education sessions, NHIS registration, mental health counselling, HIV testing, hypertension and diabetes screening, BMI checks, and a dedicated youth booth. Community outreach in local languages addressed common misconceptions and provided guidance on breast self-examination.
As part of national reforms, clinical breast examinations have been integrated into routine care at Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and outpatient departments. Midwives and community health nurses are being trained to conduct screenings and refer suspected cases, with standardized referral pathways established between CHPS zones, district hospitals, and regional facilities to minimize delays.
The GHS is also collaborating with teaching hospitals and regional centres to expand diagnostic access, including ultrasound, biopsy, and pathology services. A national cancer registry is being developed to track screening data, diagnosis stages, treatment timelines, and survival outcomes, with the goal of detecting cases earlier and improving intervention outcomes.
Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, Founder and Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries, stressed that breast cancer remains a major global concern, with 2.3 million women diagnosed worldwide in 2022. She urged women to actively monitor their breast health through self-examinations and awareness, emphasizing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Rev. Aryee advised women to recognize bodily changes and seek medical attention promptly, discouraging the attribution of breast cancer to spiritual causes. She highlighted the importance of practical breast care, including observing changes in breast colour, nipple inversion, or unusual discharge, and encouraged men to support these health practices at home, noting that breast cancer can affect both younger and older women.
