Deputy Health Minister Urges Breast Cancer Stakeholders to Move Beyond Awareness

The Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has called for a shift from mere breast cancer awareness campaigns to fixing the systems that prevent patients from accessing timely diagnosis and treatment.

She warned that creating awareness will have limited impact if patients who report early to health facilities cannot access the services they need.

“Awareness without access is not enough,” she stressed.

According to her, breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Ghana, with an estimated 4,650 new cases and about 2,060 deaths recorded annually, making timely diagnosis and treatment critical to reducing mortality.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana’s response is guided by the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which focuses on health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

She encouraged the public to seek prompt medical attention when they notice breast lumps, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or swelling in the armpit, and cautioned against misconceptions that delay treatment.

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