Breast cancer kills about 2,695 women in Ghana every year, with roughly 70% of patients reporting to hospital only when the disease is already advanced, a Korle Bu oncologist said at the national launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Accra.
Dr Mary-Ann Dadzie, a Senior Specialist in Radiation and Clinical Oncology at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, said Ghana records more than 5,000 new breast cancer cases annually, and the average age at diagnosis is 49 years.
The month-long campaign, popularly called “Pink October”, runs throughout October under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes”. It was launched by Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, with the Ghana Health Service, the Breast Society of Ghana and the World Health Organization (WHO) in attendance.
Breast cancer deaths in Ghana: 2,695 women a year
Dr Dadzie said late reporting remains the biggest driver of deaths from the disease in Ghana.
“The real enemy here is lateness. Because once it’s found late, it’s harder to treat,” she said.
She urged women to see a health worker quickly when they notice changes, saying they should “seek medical help within two weeks, not three years”, and stressed that “breast cancer is not a death sentence when it is found early.”
Breast cancer figures in Ghana at a glance
The figures presented at the launch show the scale of the problem:
- New cases per year: more than 5,000 (Dr Mary-Ann Dadzie)
- Deaths per year: 2,695 (Dr Mary-Ann Dadzie)
- Patients reporting at an advanced stage: about 70%
- Average age at diagnosis: 49 years
- WHO target: cut breast cancer deaths by 2.5% every year
The Deputy Health Minister cited separate estimates of about 4,650 new cases and 2,060 deaths a year, and described breast cancer as the leading cancer among women in Ghana. The difference reflects the data sources used by each speaker.
Deputy Health Minister: awareness must lead to action
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said awareness campaigns alone will not reduce deaths unless the health system can diagnose and treat women who come forward early.
“Awareness alone is, therefore, clearly not enough. We must turn awareness into action,” she said.
She noted that awareness would have limited impact if patients who present early cannot access diagnostic and treatment services. She also dismissed common myths, saying a biopsy does not spread cancer and that a painless lump still needs medical attention.
Ghana’s breast cancer response follows the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, which focuses on health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Breast cancer warning signs to watch
Health officials at the launch listed the signs that should prompt a hospital visit:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- An inverted nipple or unusual nipple discharge
- Changes to the skin of the breast
- Swelling in the armpit
For practical tips on reducing risk, see our earlier guide on breast cancer prevention.
Why Ghanaian women report late
Speakers identified fear, stigma, misinformation, cost and long distances to health facilities as the main reasons women delay seeking care.
Recommendations made at the launch included bringing screening services closer to communities, reducing the cost of treatment, and encouraging employers to support workers living with the disease.
What it means for women and families
For women, the main message is to check for changes and go to a health facility early. Doctors say outcomes are far better when the disease is detected at an early stage.
Families and employers are also being asked to support women through screening and treatment, as cost and stigma continue to keep many away from hospital until it is too late.
What happens next
Awareness and screening activities are expected across the country throughout October as part of Pink October.
Health officials say the focus this year is on turning awareness into early diagnosis and timely treatment, in line with the WHO target of reducing breast cancer deaths by 2.5% each year.
Key details at a glance
- Event: National launch of 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Accra
- Theme: “Early Action, Better Outcomes”
- Launched by: Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah
- Annual deaths: 2,695 women (Dr Mary-Ann Dadzie, Korle Bu)
- Annual new cases: more than 5,000
- Late presentation: about 70% of patients
- Average age at diagnosis: 49 years
FAQs
How many women die from breast cancer in Ghana every year?
About 2,695 women die from breast cancer in Ghana each year, according to Korle Bu oncologist Dr Mary-Ann Dadzie. The Deputy Health Minister cited a separate estimate of about 2,060 deaths a year.
What is the theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 in Ghana?
The 2026 theme is “Early Action, Better Outcomes”. The campaign runs throughout October.
What are the early signs of breast cancer?
Warning signs include a breast lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, skin changes and swelling in the armpit. Anyone who notices these should see a health worker promptly.
With about 70% of Ghanaian patients diagnosed late and thousands of deaths each year, health authorities are using the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month to push women to act on early signs and to call for screening and treatment that is closer and more affordable.
