More than 12,000 Ghanaians die from cancer each year – WHO report

A recent report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed more than 12,000 Ghanaians die from cancer each year.

The WHO also says more than 16,000 Ghanaians contract different kinds of cancers in the same period.

Breast and cervical cancers are most common cancer types among women while prostrate and liver cancers are common among men. Burkitt’s Lymphoma is common among children.

These statistics were released by WHO, the United Nation’s directing and coordinating authority for health, as part of events to mark this year’s World Cancer Day which is observed every year on February 4.

WHO celebrates World Cancer Day to raise awareness about the various cancers types and advocate for global action to control the epidemic.

The organisation on the day calls on governments across the world to take action against the disease in order to save millions from preventable cancer deaths each year.

Globally, more than 12.7 million people undergo cancer diagnosis and over seven million people die of it.

Members of Parliament on cancer
As part of activities to mark the day in Ghana, Parliament opened the floor for Members of Parliament (MPs) to share their thoughts on the disease.

MP for Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region, Dr Richard Anane, underscored the need to create awareness that both cervical cancer and prostate cancer are covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said Ghanaians should take advantage of the coverage of the disease under NHIS and get tested of cancer. 

There is greater chance of cancer treatment with early diagnosis.

Dr Anane, who is also a medical doctor said the notion that breast cancer only affects women must be discouraged since it can equally affect men.

Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Justice Joe Appiah, said his observation is that people who eat canned foods are more susceptible to the disease.

“Cancer can be prevented if Ghanaians live on organic foods”, he asserted. However, MP for Manhyia, Mathew Opoku Prempeh refuted this claim.