Breast Cancer awareness must translate into timely care – Deputy Health Minister

The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for greater action to ensure that breast cancer awareness leads to early diagnosis and timely treatment for patients.

She said public education alone would not be enough if people who recognised the warning signs of breast cancer could not quickly access the diagnostic and treatment services they needed.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said breast cancer remained the leading cancer affecting women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths recorded each year.

She stressed that improving early detection, diagnosis and access to treatment was critical to reducing the number of deaths associated with the disease.

Ghana’s response to breast cancer, she explained, 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 members of the public to seek medical attention as soon as they notice warning signs such as breast lumps, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge, or swelling in the armpit.

She also urged the public to reject misconceptions that could delay treatment. She clarified that a biopsy does not cause cancer to spread and cautioned women not to ignore breast lumps simply because they were painless.

“Early action must lead to timely care,” she said, stressing the need for stakeholders to use the awareness month to promote practical measures that would help people detect breast cancer early and receive appropriate treatment without delay.

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah subsequently declared the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially launched.

The month is being observed under the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” and provides an opportunity to intensify public education, promote early detection, and encourage people to seek care promptly when they notice possible signs of breast cancer.

She noted that the government was working to strengthen cancer care through improved equipment, research and financial support, and to provide health facilities with mammography and radiotherapy machines to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, was being operationalised to support people living with non-communicable diseases, including cancer, and help reduce the financial burden associated with treatment.

She added that the Free Primary Health Care Initiative would help expand public education, screening and timely referral. Adding that the government is also strengthening the National Cancer Registry and revising the National Cancer Strategy to support a more equitable and people-centred cancer care system.