“17,944 cancer-related deaths recorded in 2022” — Dr Wiafe Addai calls for stronger cancer care in Ghana

Ghana recorded 27,385 new cancer cases and 17,944 cancer-related deaths in 2022, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International (BCI) and Peace and Love Hospitals (PLH), Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has disclosed.

She said the figures highlight the growing burden of cancer in Ghana and the urgent need to expand access to comprehensive cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.

Dr Wiafe Addai disclosed this at a fundraising dinner held in Maryland, United States, in support of the proposed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence (CCCoE).

According to Dr Wiafe Addai, Ghana currently has no comprehensive cancer centre, while more than 400 million people across West Africa lack access to oncology services.

She added that cancer patients spend an estimated US$10 million annually seeking treatment abroad, underscoring the need for advanced cancer care facilities in the country.

Dr Wiafe Addai said the proposed centre was inspired by years of witnessing cancer patients struggle with late diagnosis, limited access to treatment and the financial pressures associated with the disease.

“Too many patients travel long distances for treatment, while some families are forced to sell their assets to meet medical bills,” she said.

She explained that the centre, which is planned for Kwaso near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, would bring screening, diagnosis, treatment, research, training and compassionate care under one roof.

It is also expected to bring together specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nurses, while supporting cancer research and the training of health professionals.

The vision has received the blessing of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with organisers describing the project as a legacy initiative aimed at transforming cancer care in Ghana and the wider African region.

Dr Wiafe Addai appealed to Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora, foundations, corporations and philanthropists to support the project, saying, “the ultimate goal was not simply to construct another hospital, but to create an institution that could change the experience of cancer patients and their families.”