By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, Oct 02, GNA- The Volta Region has recorded 1,182 breast cancer cases over the last five years, with 19 deaths in the last two years, the Regional Health Directorate has disclosed.
Dr Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, the Volta Regional Director of Health Service, made this known through his representative, Dr Hectoria Awekeya, the Deputy Director, Public Health, Volta Region at the national launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 (Pink October) in Ho.
Giving a breakdown, he said the region recorded 284 cases in 2021, 258 in 2022, 199 in 2023, 217 in 2024 and 224 in 2025, while 146 cases had already been reported so far in 2026. He added that nine deaths were recorded in 2025 and 10 deaths so far in 2026.
Dr Dodor said the figures should not be seen as mere numbers, but as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and colleagues, stressing that this year’s theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” reminded the public that behind every statistic was a real woman with a family.
He urged women to know the normal appearance of their breasts and promptly report any lump, change in size or shape, skin changes or nipple discharge to a certified health provider, warning against fear, stigma, myths and late reporting.
The Regional Director reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to intensify education, promote early detection and strengthen referrals, and called on families and communities to support affected persons with compassion rather than stigma.
Ms Georgina Yawa Gyamfi, Oncology Nurse Specialist at Ho Teaching Hospital who represented Breast Society of Ghana said breast cancer remained a major public health challenge in Ghana and the leading cause of cancer-related illness and death among women.
She said too many women continued to report for treatment when the disease is already advanced, making treatment more difficult and outcomes poorer, yet “early breast cancer can be treated successfully, and in many cases, cured.”
“When breast cancer is advanced, treatment may be more complex, prolonged and expensive, with poorer survival outcomes… Behind every delayed diagnosis is often a combination of factors: limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and delays within the healthcare system.
“We must therefore create an environment where breast health can be discussed openly, and people feel empowered to seek professional attention without fear or stigma. We must change this.”
A representative of Fidelity Bank said the institution aimed to improve access to breast cancer screening and awareness, assuring, this October, it would continue the free breast ultrasound screenings for the public started since 2023, in its branches including Ho.
“We will keep taking screening to where people are and keep speaking about it until asking for a breast check feels like ordinarily asking your blood pressure. At Fidelity Bank, our promise to our customers is that we’re here for their journey. On a day like this, that promise means something beyond banking. A journey can only continue if the person on it is alive and well.”
Mamaga Tsyrawa IV, the Paramount Queen mother of Have and President of Volta Queens said the event had empowered her, and that she had gained the right knowledge to teach and lead by example and would take the breast cancer awareness message to her people.
The launch, attended by Dr Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, Social Policy Advisor to Vice President Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang; Mr Edem Kpotosu, the Member of Parliament of Ho, health professionals, development partners, breast cancer survivors, queen mothers, chiefs, clergy and vulnerable groups, featured a float, cultural performance, survivor testimony and, presentation on breast health and demonstration of breast self-examination.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]