Ghana Health Service targets early breast cancer detection in three regions

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with JHPIEGO and with support from the Pfizer Foundation, has launched the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, a three-year initiative aimed at improving early detection and treatment of breast cancer in Ghana.

The project will be rolled out in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern Regions, covering 240 health facilities.

It follows a pilot phase in Bekwai, which ran from June 2022 to July 2024 and included screenings for both breast and cervical cancer.

A nationwide awareness campaign will also be introduced to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.

Breast cancer remains a major health concern in Ghana, with over 2,900 deaths recorded in 2019.

Annually, approximately 4,482 new cases are diagnosed, with more than 2,000 deaths. Late-stage diagnoses account for over 70% of cases, reducing treatment success rates and increasing fatalities.

Speaking at the launch today Wednesday march 5 2025, Acting Director-General of GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, pledged full institutional support for the initiative.

He announced plans to instruct all GHS facilities and Regional Directors to observe World Breast Cancer Day and tasked the Health Promotion Division to work with JHPIEGO and the media to intensify public awareness.

This initiative builds on previous efforts to improve breast cancer care in Ghana.

In October 2022, the Rebecca Foundation, in collaboration with GHS and Roche Ghana, launched a project to train over 90 primary healthcare workers in the Eastern, Savannah, and Ashanti Regions to improve early detection and treatment.