The Ashanti Region has recorded a sharp increase in cancer cases, with figures rising by 4,553 in 2024, marking a 33.6% surge from the previous year, according to a report by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate. The report identifies breast and cervical cancers as the leading contributors to this increase, with breast cancer cases skyrocketing by 92.12% and cervical cancer rising by 75.17%.

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In contrast, prostate cancer cases saw a decline of 17.55% over the same period. The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate attributes the rising cancer burden to late diagnoses, poor treatment outcomes, and premature deaths. It also highlights low public awareness, limited access to screening services, and inadequate healthcare capacity as key factors exacerbating the situation.

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Breakdown of Cancer cases In 2023, the region recorded 13,551 cancer cases. By 2024, this number had climbed to 18,104. The most notable increases were seen in breast and cervical cancers. Breast cancer cases more than doubled from 292 in 2023 to 561 in 2024, while cervical cancer cases rose from 298 to 522.

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Although prostate cancer cases declined from 1,208 in 2023 to 996 in 2024, the category labeled "All Other Cancers" saw the highest increase, surging by 4,272 cases. This represented a 36.35% jump from 11,753 in 2023 to 16,025 in 2024.

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To address the growing cancer crisis, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is aligning with global initiatives to emphasize people-centered care, particularly for prostate and liver cancers, which remain major health threats among men in Ghana. Ashanti Regional Health Director Fred Adomako-Boateng has called for urgent interventions, stressing that cancer care should be a national priority.

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“Although these cancers are among the leading causes of death in the country, they are unfortunately not highlighted enough for various reasons,” he stated. Citing data from GLOBOCAN 2022, he provided alarming statistics on prostate and liver cancers in Ghana. "Prostate cancer accounted for 2,393 new cases, with 1,233 deaths, reflecting a 52% mortality rate.

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Liver cancer in men recorded 2,656 new cases, with 2,390 deaths, translating to a staggering 90% mortality rate—meaning 9 out of 10 people diagnosed do not survive," he said. Beyond the numbers, Adomako-Boateng emphasized the importance of a compassionate, individualized approach to cancer treatment. "Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis—it is a deeply personal matter.

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A people-centered approach that fully integrates each individual's unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes," he added. As part of the 2025 World Cancer Day commemoration, themed "United by Unique," the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is launching an awareness campaign to promote early detection and improved treatment.

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The campaign, according to Adomako-Boateng, will focus on strengthening healthcare facilities and personnel to enhance early diagnosis and intervention. “The campaign will explore different dimensions of people-centered cancer care and new ways of making a difference. It will offer a three-year journey from raising awareness to taking action,” he noted.

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He further called for increased investment in screening programs, particularly for prostate and liver cancers, and urged stakeholders to prioritize patient-centered care, including medical, psychological, and social support systems.

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“We must highlight the importance of patient-centered care, including medical, emotional, psychological, and social support through patient navigation systems while addressing gender and socioeconomic disparities,” he emphasized.

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