The Ashanti region in 2024 witnessed a significant surge in cancer cases, with a total increase of 4,553, which is 33.60% more cases in 2023.

With breast cancer cases escalating dramatically by 92.12%, cervical cancer also showed a substantial increase of 75.17%, but in contrast, prostate cancer cases decreased by 17.55% during the same period.

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is attributing the alarming records to late diagnoses, poor outcomes, and premature mortality.

• Read also: Meningitis surged by 133% in Ashanti Region in 2024

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is unpacking the cancer phenomenon in the region which has seen an upward trend since 2022.

At the patient level and health system, the directorate disclosed challenges such as low awareness, limited capacity and availability of screening services as responsible for recent surges in cancer cases.

Cancer cases in 2024 stood at 18,104, thus from 13,551 in 2023, there were an addition of 4,553 representing a 33.60% increment.

With 269 new breast cancer cases in 2024, the total cases stood at 561, an increase from 292 in 2023.

Cervical cancer cases at 522 in 2024 was also a shoot up from 224 additional cases from 298 in 2023.

Although prostate cancer cases reduced by 212 cases from 1,208 in 2023 to 996 in 2024, 'All other Cancers' saw the highest rise, increasing by 4,272 cases, and a growth of 36.35% from 11,753 in 2023 to 16,025 in 2024.

At the back of this, Ghana Health Service is joining the global movement calling for greater emphasis on people-centered care to address prostate and liver cancers in men in Ghana and Ashanti Region.

Ashanti Regional Health Service Director, Fred Adomako-Boateng, says solutions to cancer treatment should be a personal concern.

“Although these cancers are among the leading causes of death in the country, they are unfortunately not highlighted enough for various reasons.

Although these cancers are among the leading causes of death in the country, they are unfortunately not highlighted enough for various reasons.

“GLOBOCAN estimates for these leading cancers for 2022 in Ghana were as follows: Prostate cancer accounted for 2,393 new cases with 1,233 deaths, reflecting a 52% mortality rate, whereas liver cancer in men was 2,656 new cases in men and 2,390 deaths; 90% mortality (9 deaths in 10 new cases).

"But beyond these numbers, we should know that, and cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis — it's deeply a personal matter. People-centered approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual's unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes” he said.

The theme for the 2025 World Cancer Celebration is "United by Unique".

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate is commemorating the day with the launch of an awareness creation campaign.

Ashanti Regional Health Service Director, Fred Adomako-Boateng, is admonishing key stakeholders to commit to building capacity of healthcare facilities and personnel.

“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 in these ways. This goes hand in hand with building capacity at the primary health care for clinical breast examination. We must increase the uptake of men's cancer (prostate and liver cancers) interventions throughout the spectrum of healthcare, especially screening and early diagnosis, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

‘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. We must encourage the adoption and implementation of local and international initiatives that focus on early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive care,” he said.