Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Urgent Call for Early Detection

The Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has officially launched the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Accra, highlighting a critical health crisis as approximately 5,000 Ghanaian women are diagnosed with the disease annually. Under the theme "Early Action, Better Outcomes," the campaign aims to reverse the alarming mortality rate, which currently stands at roughly 2,695 deaths each year. This initiative, often referred to as "Pinktober," serves as a national call to arms for health stakeholders to move beyond mere awareness and toward tangible systems for timely diagnosis and life-saving treatment.

Senior Specialist in Radiation and Clinical Oncology, Dr. Mary Ann-Dadzie, provided a sobering look at the clinical landscape, revealing that 70 percent of breast cancer patients in Ghana only seek medical attention when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. This delay significantly complicates treatment options and reduces survival rates. Experts point to deep-seated social stigma and widespread misinformation—particularly regarding medical procedures like biopsies—as primary barriers preventing women from seeking early intervention. Prof. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stressed that debunking these myths is essential to improving health-seeking behavior across the country.

To combat these challenges, the government is implementing a comprehensive four-pillar strategy inspired by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative. This framework focuses on prevention, equitable access to treatment, clinical excellence, and patient compassion. A significant component of this support system is the operationalization of the Mahama Cares Fund, designed to provide financial relief for those suffering from non-communicable diseases, including cancer. Additionally, targeted education projects are being rolled out in selected regions to enhance patient referral pathways and ensure that rural populations are not left behind.

International health partners have echoed the urgency of the national campaign. Dr. Fiona Braka from the WHO characterized breast cancer as a critical public health issue across Africa, urging women to become familiar with the signs of the disease and seek prompt medical care. As the month-long observance continues, the Ministry of Health and its partners are calling for a sustained effort that lasts throughout the year. By combining improved medical infrastructure with intensified public education, the goal is to ensure that a diagnosis is no longer a death sentence, but a manageable condition met with early and effective action.