Ghana recorded an estimated 27,385 new cancer cases and 17,944 cancer-related deaths in 2022, highlighting the growing burden of the disease and the urgent need to expand access to prevention, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
The figures are contained in the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The statistics were cited by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospitals, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, at a fundraising dinner in Maryland, United States.
The event was held to mobilise support for the proposed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence (CCCoE), an initiative intended to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and professional training in Ghana.
According to the GLOBOCAN data, women accounted for 15,987 new cases and 9,856 deaths, compared with 11,398 new cases and 8,088 deaths among men in 2022.
Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer overall, accounting for 5,026 cases, followed by liver cancer with 3,731 cases, cervical cancer with 3,072 cases, prostate cancer with 2,395 cases, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma with 1,374 cases.
Among women, breast cancer was the leading cancer, followed by cervical and ovarian cancers. Among men, liver cancer ranked first, followed by prostate cancer.
Liver cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer were the three leading causes of cancer deaths in Ghana in 2022.
Dr. Wiafe Addai said the statistics should compel Ghana to move beyond treating cancer as an individual medical problem and address it as a major national health challenge.
She said the proposed cancer centre was born out of years of witnessing patients struggle with late diagnosis, limited treatment options and the financial burden associated with care.
According to her, some patients travel long distances to access treatment, while families are sometimes forced to sell property and other assets to finance medical care.
Dr. Wiafe Addai said the proposed centre at Kwaso near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region is intended to bring screening, diagnosis, treatment, research, training and compassionate care together under one roof.
The facility is expected to provide a platform for specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nurses, to work together while supporting cancer research and the training of health professionals.
She said the vision has received the blessing of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with organisers describing the project as a legacy investment capable of transforming cancer care in Ghana and the wider African region.
Ghana also faces significant challenges in ensuring early detection and access to specialised treatment.
Experts have identified the need for stronger diagnostic capacity, reliable cancer data, adequate medicines, trained personnel and improved referral systems.
Dr. Wiafe Addai appealed to members of the Ghanaian and African diaspora, foundations, corporations and philanthropists to support the project.
The fundraising drive has established donor categories ranging from community contributions of up to US$24,999 to the Royal Founder category for donations of US$2 million and above.
She expressed confidence that with collective support, Ghana could build a cancer centre capable of meeting international standards while reducing the number of lives lost to preventable, treatable cancers or complications arising from late diagnosis.
A Daily Guide Report
