Over 15,000 Ghanaians died of cancer last year, according to the Global Cancer Statistics (GLOBOCAN) 2020.

The Global Cancer, Mortality and Prevalence report indicated that more than 24,000 new cases are recorded in the country annually.

Speaking at an event to commemorate this year's World Cancer Day, the President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai said common cancers such as breast, liver, cervix, and prostate are the cause of these deaths. 

The 2020 global cancer figures show liver cancer recorded 3,166 deaths, cervical cancer killed 1,699, and prostate cancer caused 1,117 deaths in the country.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai said cancer cases have increased since 2018, and therefore need serious attention.

“Equal attention must also be given to cancers as given to Covid-19 because Covid-19 did not come to stop cancers, neither did it come to trade places with the cancers. Therefore, awareness and education on cancers must be intensified,”

Dr. Waife Addai observed that breast cancer remains the number one killer among cancers.  

"Breast cancer is still the number one cause of death among Ghanaian women as far as cancers are concerned. But this is preventable, treatable and curable, likewise liver and cervical cancers."

She used the opportunity to call on the government to provide free vaccination for cervical cancer.

Meanwhile, women have been entreated to frequent health facilities for regular medical checkups.