The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for stronger breast cancer diagnosis and treatment systems to ensure that increased public awareness leads to timely care for patients.
She noted that awareness campaigns would have limited impact if people who sought medical attention early were unable to access the diagnostic and treatment services they needed.
Prof Ayensu-Danquah made the call as she declared the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month duly launched under the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes.”
She said breast cancer remained the leading cancer among women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths recorded annually.
According to her, timely diagnosis and treatment were therefore essential to reducing the impact of the disease.
She said Ghana’s breast cancer response was guided by the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which focuses on health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Prof Ayensu-Danquah urged the public to seek medical attention promptly when they noticed breast lumps, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or swelling in the armpit.
She also cautioned against misconceptions and practices that could delay treatment, stressing that a biopsy does not spread cancer.
She urged people not to ignore painless breast lumps, noting the importance of seeking medical attention when such signs were detected.
The Deputy Health Minister called on stakeholders to use the awareness month to promote practical action, intensify public education, support early detection and encourage timely access to appropriate care.
