Cancer in second leading disease in Ghana -Wiafe Addai

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Founder and President of Breast Care International (BCI) has disclosed that Cancer is currently the second leading disease in Ghana and the second cause of death worldwide.

According to her, ten million people die from Cancer yearly, with more than 40% being women.

Speaking at an outreach Programme organised by BCI and partners at the Straight Way Chapel International Church, at Santasi in Kumasi, she queried why the government and stakeholders cannot make the treatment of Cancer affordable to patients.

The theme for the programme organised as part of activities to mark this year’s Cancer Day was: “Close the Care Gap”.

According to her, in Ghana 2,020 women die every year, adding that every minute everywhere around the world, women die from Breast Cancer because of disparities and the cost of the treatment.

She indicated that, approximately 70% of all Cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries said to be least placed to deliver the services needed by people living with cancer, or manage the social or economic consequences of the burden.

Dr. Wiafe Addai disclosed that the Union for International Cancer Control provides local insights into the challenges we face in diverse regions, guiding us towards targeted solutions.

According to her, the UICC is mobilising a global call to action that echoes the sentiments and recommendations expressed in the World Cancer Day Equity Report and UICC is encouraging all health organisations to sign the call to action, informing their respective Ministries of Health of the need to close the Care Gap and recommendations to that effect.

Dr. Samuel Amanama, Consultant Urologist and Sexo-Pathologist advised the World to unite in the fight against Cervical and other Gynaecological cancers.

He said regular screenings and vaccinations are the best weapons to prevent Cervical Cancer and encouraged women prioritise early detection to and make a difference in the battle against cervical cancer.

Mr Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, as Chairman for the occasion, called for early detection to prevent the escalation of the disease to avoid the loss of life.

He proposed the government consideration to add the treatment of Cancer to the National Health Insurance to enhance the affordability of the treatment.

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