The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called on stakeholders in the fight against breast cancer to strengthen systems that allow patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. She made this statement during the launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to her, public education would have limited impact if people who responded to awareness messages by seeking medical attention could not access the diagnostic and treatment services they needed.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah stated that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths recorded annually. These figures, she emphasized, underscore the need for early detection and prompt access to appropriate care to reduce deaths and the wider impact of the disease. Ghana's response to breast cancer is guided by the World Health Organisation's Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
The Global Breast Cancer Initiative focuses on health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if they noticed any unusual changes in their breasts, including breast lumps, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge, and swelling in the armpit. She also cautioned against misconceptions that could discourage people from seeking medical care or delay treatment.
The Deputy Minister addressed common misconceptions about breast cancer, stating that a biopsy does not cause cancer to spread. She urged people not to ignore breast lumps simply because they are painless, emphasizing that early medical assessment remains crucial because breast cancer can be treated more effectively when detected at an early stage.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah declared the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially launched, calling on stakeholders to use the campaign to promote practical steps that would help more people detect the disease early and access treatment without unnecessary delays. The 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed under the theme "Early Action, Better Outcomes."
The theme provides an opportunity to intensify public education on breast cancer while encouraging early detection and timely access to diagnosis and treatment. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that sustained action across the health system, coupled with increased public awareness and prompt health-seeking behavior, would be critical to improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer in Ghana.
The Deputy Minister's call to action comes as efforts to improve breast cancer care in Ghana continue. Recently, there have been reports of limited access to mammography services in the country, with the service available in only a few regions. The government has also announced plans to equip health facilities with mammography and radiotherapy machines to improve access to diagnosis and treatment.
Key points
- The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has urged stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and strengthen systems for timely diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients in Ghana.
- Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths recorded annually.
- The 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed under the theme "Early Action, Better Outcomes," aiming to promote early detection and timely access to diagnosis and treatment.
