The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has joined the global community to celebrate World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4th February.
The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment while uniting efforts to reduce the burden of the disease.
This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” highlights the importance of collective efforts in the fight against cancer. Every individual—whether a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, researcher, or advocate—has a role to play in combating the disease.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is particularly focusing on cancers that commonly affect men, notably prostate and liver cancer, which remain among the leading causes of death in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, disclosed alarming statistics on cancer cases in Ghana.
“The estimated number of new cancer cases in 2022 was 27,385, with 17,944 deaths, while about 63,764 individuals have survived cancer over a five-year period,” he stated.
He further provided data specific to the Ashanti Region, indicating a rising trend in cancer cases. “In 2022 alone, we recorded 8,764 cases. This increased to 11,753 in 2023, and as of 2024, the number has surged to 16,025 cases of all types of cancer-related diseases,” Dr. Boateng revealed.
He emphasised that some of the most common cancers, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer, can be prevented with lifestyle modifications.
“The general public should try as much as possible to eat healthy diets, engage in regular physical exercise to maintain a normal body weight, and for men above 50 years, consult a doctor for early detection of prostate cancer,” he advised.
Dr. Boateng also encouraged those diagnosed with cancer to adhere to medical advice.
“Persons diagnosed with cancer should go for their regular medical check-ups, eat healthy diets, exercise regularly, and, most importantly, not stop taking their medications,” he urged.
According to GLOBOCAN estimates for 2022, Ghana recorded 2,395 cases of prostate cancer, with 1,233 deaths (a mortality rate of 52%), while liver cancer cases among men stood at 2,656, with 2,390 deaths, representing a 90% mortality rate.
With cancer cases on the rise, health authorities are reinforcing the need for early detection, lifestyle changes, and continuous medical care as key measures in reducing mortality rates and improving patient survival.
Source – Isaac Asiedu
