The Eastern Regional Health Directorate in Ghana has expressed concern that a decline in reported breast cancer cases may be hiding a growing problem of late detection. According to Dr. Damien Punguyire, Regional Health Director, fear, shame, and misconceptions are preventing women from undergoing screening and seeking timely diagnosis. This issue was raised at a breast cancer awareness campaign organised by the Health Accountants Staff Association. The campaign aimed to educate women on the importance of early detection and prompt medical attention.
Data from health facilities in the Eastern Region show a steady decline in reported breast cancer cases over the past three years. In 2023, 289 cases were recorded, declining to 150 in 2024 and 117 in 2025. As of June 2026, 99 cases had been reported across health facilities in the region. Dr. Punguyire warned that this decline should not be interpreted as progress, as it may indicate that women are not seeking medical attention due to fear, shame, or misconceptions.
Dr. Punguyire emphasized the importance of awareness creation to encourage women to undergo screening and seek timely diagnosis. He stated that early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes and chances of survival. The Regional Health Director urged women to prioritize their health and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms. The Health Accountants Staff Association, organizers of the breast cancer awareness campaign, also stressed the need for women to take charge of their health.
Public Health Specialist and Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator, Dr. Abigail Doduwah Sackey, also spoke at the campaign. She emphasized that early detection saves lives and encouraged women to examine their breasts regularly. Dr. Sackey urged women to make breast examination a habit and seek medical attention if they notice any abnormalities. Her comments underscored the importance of education and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
Stephen Addo, President of the Health Accountants Staff Association in the Eastern Region, also addressed the campaign. As accountants and public servants, he noted that they are trained to spot potential problems before they become costly. Addo urged everyone to give their health the same attention, emphasizing that early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial in improving treatment outcomes.
The Eastern Regional Health Directorate's warning highlights the need for sustained education and awareness campaigns to encourage women to prioritize their health. The decline in reported breast cancer cases may be masking a growing problem of late detection, which can have severe consequences on treatment outcomes and chances of survival. Health experts are urging women to take charge of their health and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms.
The Health Accountants Staff Association's breast cancer awareness campaign is part of a broader effort to educate the public about the importance of early detection and prompt medical attention. The campaign, which was organised in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Health Directorate, aimed to reach women in the region and encourage them to prioritize their health. By working together, health experts and advocacy groups hope to reduce the impact of breast cancer in the region.
Key points
- Fear, shame, and misconceptions are preventing women from undergoing breast cancer screening and seeking timely diagnosis.
- Early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial in improving breast cancer treatment outcomes and chances of survival.
- Sustained education and awareness campaigns are needed to encourage women to prioritize their health and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms.
