Ghana’s cancer burden surges with over 700 cases reported yearly at Korle Bu

Each year, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital records an average of 700 cancer cases, reflecting a disturbing trend since 2005. This pattern mirrors a broader crisis across Africa, where over 24,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, placing immense strain on healthcare resources.

The ongoing burden of cancer in Ghana is compounded by delays in diagnosis and the high cost of treatment, which continue to push timely care out of reach for many. These barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, deepening inequalities and leading to poorer outcomes.

To confront this challenge, the Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancers (PMABC) initiative has convened leading researchers and health professionals to advance cancer care across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative research, capacity building, and data-driven approaches, the project aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and tailor treatment for the region’s most prevalent and aggressive cancers, including breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and esophageal cancers.

Progress hinges on strengthening public health infrastructure, expanding access to diagnostic tools, and scaling up community education around the importance of early detection. When caught early, many cancers are treatable and survival rates can dramatically improve, yet too many lives are lost due to late presentation and financial hardship.

Tackling cancer in Ghana demands coordinated action: sustained investment in research, training for health workers, affordable treatment options, and greater public awareness. The path forward requires not just medical innovation but the political will to prioritize equitable and timely care for all.