Accra, 4 March 2015 - Every year, 16 000 new cancer cases are reported in Ghana, adding to an existing burden of cancer cases, of which an estimated 2260 are breast cancer cases. In Ghana as in most developing countries, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing rapidly, particularly cardiovascular related diseases and cancers.

On the occasion of World Cancer Day commemorated under the theme, “Not Beyond Us”, the Ministry of Health launched its National Strategy for Cancer Control in Ghana. The Strategy, developed with technical support from WHO and partners, aims at clamping down on the increasing number of cancer cases.

According to Dr Victor Bampoe, the deputy minister for health, “recent health data shows that majority of cancer cases are detected late. More action is needed to ensure early detection. As we know, with early detection and proper treatment, cancer can be beaten. This Strategic Plan outlines a cost effective approach at various levels of the continuum-of-care and when implemented effectively would go a long way to reduce our country’s cancer burden.”  

The Plan, which will provide national direction, is aimed at reducing cancer mortality by 30%through primary prevention, effective screening and early detection; improve effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

It will also improve the quality of life for those with cancer and their family by 40% as well as support rehabilitation and palliative care.

WHO Representative Dr Magda Robalo commended Ghana for developing this Strategic Plan to combat cancer. She said, “…with this Plan we can go beyond merely treating patients but preventing cancer and beating this debilitating disease”. Some of the key interventions identified in the Plan include the need for strengthening public health surveillance data collection to understand which cancers are most prevalent, by age and gender amongst other indicators. This will help improve data quality and inform national efforts at cancer prevention and control in Ghana.

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For additional information, please contact:

Technical Contact:
Dr. Magda Robalo; Tel +233 302-763918; Email: robalom [at] who.int
Dr. Sally-Ann Ohene; Tel+233 544316021; Email: ohenes [at] who.int

Media Contact:
Ms Joana Ansong; Tel: +233 544316017; Email: ansongj [at] who.int