BY Grace Zigah
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has disclosed that breast cancer accounts for 31 percent of all female cancers in Ghana, raising alarm over the growing health burden as the nation joins the world in commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 awareness campaign in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described breast cancer as not only the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women but also one of the deadliest if detected late.
He emphasized this year’s theme: “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone” as a reminder of the need for collective action to tackle the disease.
Global And National Burden
According to the Ministry, breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, with 2.3 million cases recorded in 2022.
Tragically, 670,000 women lost their lives to the disease within that year. Ghana reflects this global trend, with breast cancer topping the list of female cancers in the country.
Health experts note with concern that in Ghana, 8 out of every 10 breast cancer cases are detected at advanced stages (Stages 3 and 4).
This figure falls far below the World Health Organization’s target, which calls for at least 60 percent of cases to be diagnosed at early stages to improve survival chances.
The Call for Early Detection
The Ministry stressed that early and timely diagnosis, linked with proper treatment and follow-up care, is crucial in reducing preventable deaths.
“Breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence if we act early,” the statement read, adding that interventions such as rehabilitation and palliative care must be strengthened alongside treatment.
Cost of Treatment And Government Intervention
Currently, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers breast cancer treatment, but financing for other types of cancer remains a major challenge for most Ghanaians.
To close this gap, the government has pledged to support the treatment of additional cancers through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares.”
The fund is dedicated to financing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
Nationwide Awareness Activities
This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month will feature a series of activities including free screening exercises, nationwide education campaigns, and advocacy programs aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care.
Communities are expected to benefit from outreach services that will provide not just screening but also information on lifestyle changes and support systems for patients.
Shared Responsibility
The Ministry of Health, working in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, civil society organizations, and both local and international partners, is urging Ghanaians to take advantage of screening opportunities and support those battling the disease.
“Every woman deserves a chance at life, and no woman should lose her life simply because she could not afford treatment or detect the disease too late,” Mintah Akandoh stated.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gaps in care, improving survival rates, and joining the global community in the fight against breast cancer.
