Cancer killed 17,944 Ghanaians in 2022 – Report

Ghana lost 17,944 lives to cancer in 2022, with an estimated 27,385 new cases recorded that year, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), GNA reports.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday to mark the 2025 World Cancer Day celebration, Acting Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, described the statistics as alarming and highlighted efforts to intensify campaigns on leading male cancers, including prostate and liver cancer.

He revealed that liver cancer alone recorded a staggering 90 per cent mortality rate in 2022, with 2,390 deaths out of 2,656 cases. Prostate cancer also saw a worrying 52 per cent mortality rate, resulting in 1,233 deaths out of 2,395 cases.

With over 70 per cent of cancer-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana, where access to essential services remains limited, Prof Akoriyea stressed the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and life-saving interventions.

“Prevention is the most cost-effective means of ensuring that cancers are controlled. We want to make a special appeal to the media and partners to support us in sensitising the public on healthy diets, physical activity, and vaccination for hepatitis A and B, which have proven to be effective in preventing cancers,” he said.

He also called for adequate social support systems for cancer patients, emphasising that the disease affects individuals, families, and communities regardless of age, gender, or location. As part of efforts to improve cancer surveillance and care delivery, he assured that the GHS would establish a national cancer registry.

Ms Hannah Tetteh, a nurse with Sunshine Healthcare and a cancer survivor, shared her personal battle with the disease. She encouraged patients not to give up and advised against self-medication. She further urged families to offer support and called on the government to introduce measures to ease the financial burden of cancer treatment.

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, aims to raise awareness about cancer and strengthen actions to improve access to quality care, screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.

Under the 2025 theme, “United by Unique,” the campaign emphasises the need to embrace the unique roles required in the fight against cancer. As part of the commemoration, the GHS organised free health screenings for hepatitis B, breast cancer, and blood pressure for staff and journalists.

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