The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate has raised alarm over a sharp rise in cancer cases in the region, calling for intensified prevention efforts and early detection to curb preventable deaths.
The warning was issued as the Directorate joined the global community to mark World Cancer Day 2026, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and promoting equitable access to care. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Closing the Cancer Care Gap: Community Action for Prevention and Early Detection in Ghana!”
Speaking at the event, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, said the 2026 celebration is focused on mobilising communities, the media and key stakeholders to address persistent gaps in cancer awareness, screening and timely diagnosis.
“The goal of this year’s World Cancer Day is to raise nationwide awareness on cancer prevention and early detection while mobilising collective action to help close the cancer care gap in the region,” Dr. Boateng stated.
He noted that cancer is fast becoming one of the leading causes of premature death in Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, more than one million new cancer cases are recorded on the continent each year, with nearly the same number of deaths, largely due to late detection and unequal access to quality care.
In the Ashanti Region, the situation is particularly concerning. Dr. Boateng disclosed that 18,104 cancer cases were recorded in 2024, representing a 33.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
He highlighted a dramatic rise in breast and cervical cancers, with breast cancer cases increasing by about 92 per cent and cervical cancer by 75 per cent. Prostate cancer, he added, remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the region.
“These figures tell a painful story,” Dr. Boateng said.
“The rising trend underscores the urgent need for sustained public education, healthy lifestyle choices, regular screening and early detection to reduce preventable deaths.”
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is therefore appealing to individuals, communities, civil society organisations and the media to support cancer awareness initiatives and encourage early screening.
Health authorities believe that stronger community engagement and improved access to preventive and diagnostic services could significantly reduce cancer-related deaths and improve outcomes for patients across the region.
