Ghana Launches 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Theme: “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders, has officially launched the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone.”

The annual commemoration, held in Accra today, seeks to raise awareness, promote early detection, and strengthen access to quality breast cancer care nationwide.

Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed, with 670,000 losing their lives to the disease. In Ghana, breast cancer accounts for 31% of all female cancers, with 8 out of 10 cases still detected at advanced stages. This is far below the World Health Organization’s global target of achieving 60% early-stage diagnosis.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the urgency of reversing late detection trends through early and timely diagnosis, linked to comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

“Breast cancer is not just about numbers. It is about mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve dignity, care, and hope. As a nation, we must ensure that no one faces this disease alone,” he stated.

Currently, breast cancer treatment is covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). However, financing for other cancer treatments continues to pose challenges for many Ghanaians. To address this, the Government has committed to financing additional cancer treatments through the newly established Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) — a fund dedicated to tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as part of Ghana’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage.

This year’s awareness activities will include:

• Nationwide educational campaigns
• Free screening exercises across communities
• Advocacy for equitable access to cancer treatment and care

The Ministry of Health is urging all Ghanaians to participate actively in the screening programmes and support affected persons.

“With collective effort, we can bridge gaps in care, reduce preventable deaths, and improve patient outcomes,” the Minister added. “No life should be cut short due to late detection or lack of access to treatment.”

The Government of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to working with both local and international partners to reduce the burden of breast cancer and improve survival rates for both women and men.