Ghana Urged to Expand Cancer Care as Cases Continue to Rise

Ghana records more than 27,000 new cancer cases and nearly 18,000 cancer-related deaths each year, making the disease an increasingly serious public health challenge.

Cancer care in Ghana has made important progress over the past two decades, but significant gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and access to services continue to put thousands of lives at risk, according to an international review led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The assessment, carried out jointly by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), examined the country's cancer control system and identified priority areas where targeted investment could improve outcomes for patients. Experts visited hospitals, universities, and healthcare facilities in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, working alongside Ghana's Ministry of Health to evaluate current services and future needs.

Growing Cancer Burden Puts Pressure on Health Services

Ghana records more than 27,000 new cancer cases and nearly 18,000 cancer-related deaths each year, making the disease an increasingly serious public health challenge. Breast, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers account for the largest share of cases. Many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options become more limited, survival rates decline, and healthcare costs increase significantly for families.

Health experts noted that cervical and liver cancers can often be prevented through vaccination programmes, while many other cancers can be treated more successfully when detected early. Childhood cancers also remain a concern, with delayed diagnosis and financial difficulties preventing some children from completing treatment despite many forms of childhood cancer being highly curable.

The review highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen childhood cancer care, including support from the IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.

Strong Foundations Provide Opportunities for Improvement

The international team found that Ghana already has several strengths that can support future progress. The country has established cancer registries, growing oncology training programmes, multidisciplinary treatment teams in major teaching hospitals, and national policies focused on noncommunicable diseases. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B has also been incorporated into routine immunisation programmes, helping reduce the risk of cervical and liver cancers.

Health officials praised ongoing efforts to improve early detection and referral systems, while investments in workforce development and healthcare infrastructure have helped expand services in recent years.

Access Remains Uneven Across the Country

Despite these advances, major disparities remain between urban and rural areas.

Many advanced diagnostic and treatment services are concentrated in a small number of cities, making access difficult for patients living elsewhere. The review found that Ghana currently operates only four radiotherapy machines nationwide, limiting treatment capacity for a growing number of cancer patients. Limited health insurance coverage for cancer care continues to place a heavy financial burden on families, leaving many patients facing significant out-of-pocket expenses.

The review recommends developing an updated National Cancer Control Plan, expanding early detection programmes, increasing diagnostic capacity, and investing in radiation medicine services. The IAEA has already supported Ghana in preparing plans to expand radiotherapy infrastructure and says it will continue working with the country through the Rays of Hope initiative. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the review comes at an important time, providing a clearer picture of progress achieved and the work still needed to ensure more Ghanaians can access timely, affordable, and effective cancer care.