Cancer in Ghana

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Current estimates indicates that over 24,000 new cases of cancer are recorded each year at Ghana. [1] In 2020, 15,802 Ghanaians died from cancer. [2] [3] A 2015 study in Kumasi recorded breast and cervical cancer raked high records among females. Prostate cancer recorded the highest among males. Breast, liver and cervical were leading in both sexes. [4]

Contents

History

For many years, the mere mention of cancer was deemed a taboo in Ghana as it signals contamination or death. [5]

The first cancer registry in Ghana was established in Kumasi as the first population-based cancer registry in 2012 to provide information on cancer cases. [6]

Treatment

Ghana has a national cancer control plan. However, cancer rates are in an increasing trend due to unpreparedness. The country is faced with limited cancer care and lack of cancer education for care workers. Top quality care is only offered in the two main tertiary hospital that are in the two major cities of Ghana. Cancer care costs are expensive which proves tough for patients at the advanced stages of cancer. These coupled with no health insurance cover for cancer and the competition with alternative medicine. The country has made some advances in relation with care facilities and treatments. There are occurrences of misdiagnoses and inability for patients to afford medication. [5]

Childhood cancer in Ghana

Over a thousand childhood cancer cases are recorded in the country each year. These cases are often reported late making treatment difficult and expensive. [7] [8] In 2022, four childhood cancers were covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS): acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Burkitt lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and Wilms tumour. [9] [10] Only 30% of children with cancer seek healthcare due to financial difficulties. [11]

The country has two comprehensive Paediatric Oncology units at the Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. There are eight paediatric oncology fellows in training, three paediatric oncology pharmacists and 18 nurses in paediatric oncology. [7]

In 2022 the first Lady of Ghana commissioned a hostel for children cancer patients to alleviate transportation costs in seeking health care. [12]

The largest referral hospital in the country Korle bu has pledged to reduce childhood cancer by 2030 with a vision for every child patient to obtain equal access to treatment. [13]

Cancer by type

Breast and cervical cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Ghana. [14] In 2020, there were 4400 cases of breast cancer and 2797 estimated cervical cancer cases. [15] Over 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and more than half of the figure die in Ghana. [16] In 2018, it was estimated that over four thousand cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and about 1800 women could die from cancer. [17]

In Ghana, breast cancer is the leading malignancy. [18] In 2007, breast cancer accounted for 15.4% of all malignancies, and this number increases annually. [18] Roughly 70% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana are in the advanced stages of the disease. [19] In addition, a recent study has shown that women in Ghana are more likely to be diagnosed with high-grade tumors that are negative for expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and the HER2/neu marker. [20] These triple negative breast tumors are more aggressive and result in higher breast cancer mortality rates. [20]

Explanations for the delayed presentation among women in Ghana have been traced to the cost of, and access to, routine screening mammography. [19] [21] Furthermore, women with breast cancer in Ghana describe a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, largely due to their belief in fatalism, which contributes to denial as a means of coping. [21] Mayo et al. (2003) concludes, however, that lack of awareness may be a more critical variable than fatalism in explaining health care decisions among women in Ghana.

Over the past decade, international delegations and nongovernmental organizations have started responding to the growing problem of breast cancer in Ghana. In particular, the Breast Health Global Initiative, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure are helping to increase early detection and reduce the breast cancer mortality rate in the country. Through public education, awareness, training, and particularly promotion of early detection practices, international aid groups have helped in improving the situation in Ghana. [22]

Liver cancer

Liver Cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the Volta Region of Ghana. [23]

Prostate cancer

In 2020, Korlebu recorded over 1000 cases of prostate cancer. Most prostate cancer cases are often reported to the hospital at advanced stages due to reliance on herbal treatment. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervical cancer</span> Cancer arising from the cervix

Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. While bleeding after sex may not be serious, it may also indicate the presence of cervical cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast cancer</span> Cancer that originates in mammary glands

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, milk rejection, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammography</span> Process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening

Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anal cancer</span> Medical condition

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Women's health differs from that of men's health in many unique ways. Women's health is an example of population health, where health is defined by the World Health Organisation as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Often treated as simply women's reproductive health, many groups argue for a broader definition pertaining to the overall health of women, better expressed as "The health of women". These differences are further exacerbated in developing countries where women, whose health includes both their risks and experiences, are further disadvantaged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cancer survivor</span> Person with cancer who is still alive


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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health in Ghana</span>

In precolonial Ghana, infectious diseases were the main cause of morbidity and mortality. The modern history of health in Ghana was heavily influenced by international actors such as Christian missionaries, European colonists, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. In addition, the democratic shift in Ghana spurred healthcare reforms in an attempt to address the presence of infectious and noncommunicable diseases eventually resulting in the formation of the National Health insurance Scheme in place today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Healthcare in Ghana</span>

Healthcare in Ghana is mostly provided by the national government, and less than 5% of GDP is spent on healthcare. The healthcare system still has challenges with access, especially in rural areas not near hospitals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cancer screening</span> Method to detect cancer

Cancer screening aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear. This may involve blood tests, urine tests, DNA tests, other tests, or medical imaging. The benefits of screening in terms of cancer prevention, early detection and subsequent treatment must be weighed against any harms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast mass</span> Localized swellings that feel different from the surrounding tissue

A breast mass, also known as a breast lump, is a localized swelling that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes may be present. Concerning findings include masses that are hard, do not move easily, are of an irregular shape, or are firmly attached to surrounding tissue.

Jacob Kenneth Kofi Kwakye-Maafo, also known as Nana Ohemeng Awere V, is a Ghanaian physician and a surgeon who specialises in Obstetrics and Gynecology and traditional ruler of Assin Nsuta and the chief executive of the West End Hospital, Kumasi. A past president of the Ghana Medical Association, he is an advocate of community health and has helped establish several health centres, rural hospitals and clinics in the Ashanti Region of Ghana notably the Ankaasi Faith Healing Methodist Hospital and the Lake Clinic at Amakom near Lake Bosomtwi. He was a member of the committee set up by the government of Ghana in 2003, tasked with the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervical screening</span> Type of medical screening

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Lawson (Australian doctor)</span> Australian public health doctor and scientist

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epidemiology of breast cancer</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Childhood cancer</span> Medical condition

Childhood cancer is cancer in a child. About 80% of childhood cancer cases can be successfully treated thanks to modern medical treatments and optimal patient care. However, only about 10% of children diagnosed with cancer reside in high-income countries where the necessary treatments and care is available. Childhood cancer represents only about 1% of all types of cancers diagnosed in children and adults. For this reason, childhood cancer is often ignored in control planning, contributing to the burden of missed opportunities for its diagnoses and management in countries that are low- and mid-income.

Nirmala "Nimmi" Ramanujam is an educator, innovator, and entrepreneur. Ramanujam is recognized for creating globally accessible technologies for women’s health related to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. She is the Robert W. Carr Professor of Engineering and Professor of Cancer Pharmacology and Global Health at Duke University. She founded the Center for Global Women’s Health Technologies (GWHT) in 2013 to catalyze impactful research, educational and community outreach activities that promote women’s health. In 2023, she won the IEEE Biomedical Engineering Technical Field Award, given annually for outstanding contributions to the field of Biomedical engineering. In 2019, she received the social impact Abie Award for making a positive impact on women, technology, and society. She was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2017. She founded Calla Health to commercialize technologies developed at the center. Further she has created a number of initiatives and consortia including WISH, (In)visible Organ and IGNITE to have far reaching impact in cervical cancer, reproductive health and engineering design education, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UK Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project</span>

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Caryn Agyeman Prempeh is a Ghanaian medical practitioner and television presenter. she is the founder of CERVIVA Ghana.

Karen Canfell is an Australian epidemiologist and cancer researcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Ghana</span> Medical condition

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References

  1. ↑ "Over 24,000 cancer cases recorded annually". The Ghana Report. February 8, 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  2. ↑ "Cancer killed 15,802 Ghanaians in 2020---Globacan". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  3. ↑ Witzel, Isabell (2020). "Male Breast Cancer Patients: Lack of Evidence". Breast Care. 15 (1): 3–5. doi:10.1159/000505636. ISSN   1661-3791. PMC   7098273 . PMID   32231491.
  4. ↑ Amoako, Yaw Ampem; Awuah, Baffour; Larsen-Reindorf, Rita; Awittor, Fred Kwame; Kyem, Gloria; Ofori-Boadu, Kwame; Osei-Bonsu, Ernest; Laryea, Dennis Odai (2019-03-25). "Malignant tumours in urban Ghana: evidence from the city of Kumasi". BMC Cancer. 19 (1): 267. doi: 10.1186/s12885-019-5480-0 . ISSN   1471-2407. PMC   6434839 . PMID   30909876.
  5. 1 2 "Cancer in My Community: Working to Eliminate the Stigma of Cancer in Ghana". Cancer.Net. 2021-09-14. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  6. ↑ Laryea, Dennis O; Awuah, Baffour; Amoako, Yaw A; Osei-Bonsu, E; Dogbe, Joslin; Larsen-Reindorf, Rita; Ansong, Daniel; Yeboah-Awudzi, Kwasi; Oppong, Joseph K; Konney, Thomas O; Boadu, Kwame O; Nguah, Samuel B; Titiloye, Nicholas A; Frimpong, Nicholas O; Awittor, Fred K (2014-05-23). "Cancer incidence in Ghana, 2012: evidence from a population-based cancer registry". BMC Cancer. 14 (1): 362. doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-362 . ISSN   1471-2407. PMC   4046022 . PMID   24884730.
  7. 1 2 "Over 1,000 childhood cancers diagnosed in Ghana annually". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  8. ↑ "GRAPHIC TV: Latest Ghana News Videos - Over 1200 Ghanaian children are diagnosed with cancer every year - Dr Emma Mitchell". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  9. ↑ "NHIS now covers childhood cancers: Sickle cell drug also catered for - Bawumia". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  10. ↑ "NHIS now covering four childhood cancers". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2022-08-26. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  11. ↑ GNA (2021-11-12). "Children with cancers relieved of transportation challenges". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  12. ↑ GNA (2021-11-12). "Children with cancers relieved of transportation challenges". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  13. ↑ GNA (2021-01-28). "Korle-bu Teaching Hospital to reduce childhood cancer by 2030". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  14. ↑ Amoako, Yaw Ampem; Awuah, Baffour; Larsen-Reindorf, Rita; Awittor, Fred Kwame; Kyem, Gloria; Ofori-Boadu, Kwame; Osei-Bonsu, Ernest; Laryea, Dennis Odai (2019-03-25). "Malignant tumours in urban Ghana: evidence from the city of Kumasi". BMC Cancer. 19 (1): 267. doi: 10.1186/s12885-019-5480-0 . ISSN   1471-2407. PMC   6434839 . PMID   30909876.
  15. ↑ GNA (2022-10-19). "Rebecca Foundation launches project to reduce breast, cervical cancers". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  16. ↑ "3,000 women diagnosed with Cervical Cancer annually – Health officials". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2019-02-23. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  17. ↑ "1,800 Ghanaian women could die of breast cancer in 2018 – Study". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2018-10-03. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  18. 1 2 Clegg-Lamptey, J.N.A; Hodasi, W (2007). "A study of breast cancer in Korle Bu teaching hospital: assessing the impact of health education". Ghana Medical Journal. 41 (2): 72–77. doi:10.4314/gmj.v41i2.55305. PMC   2002569 . PMID   17925846.
  19. 1 2 Kirby, A (2005). "Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Ghana, West Africa". Journal of Investigative Medicine. 53: S80.5–S80. doi:10.2310/6650.2005.00005.15. S2CID   76521439.
  20. 1 2 Stark, A.; Kleer, Celina G.; Martin, Iman; Awuah, Baffour; Nsiah-Asare, Anthony; Takyi, Valerie; Braman, Maria; e. Quayson, Solomon; et al. (2010). "African Ancestry and Higher Prevalence of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Findings from an international study". Cancer. 116 (21): 4926–4932. doi:10.1002/cncr.25276. PMC   3138711 . PMID   20629078.
  21. 1 2 Mayo; Hunter, Anita; et al. (2003). "Fatalism Toward Breast Cancer Among the Women of Ghana". Health Care for Women International. 24 (7): 608–615. doi:10.1080/07399330390217752. PMID   14627208. S2CID   44678840.
  22. ↑ "BHGI and Ghana combat breast cancer together".
  23. ↑ Adadey, Samuel M; Languon, Sylvester; Ayee, Richmond; Quansah, Darius NK; Quaye, Osbourne (June 2020). "Incidence and mortality of cancer in the Volta Region of Ghana". Experimental Biology and Medicine. 245 (12): 1058–1065. doi:10.1177/1535370220931514. ISSN   1535-3702. PMC   7357145 . PMID   32498552.
  24. ↑ GNA (2021-11-13). "KBTH records over 1, 000 cases of prostate cancer in 2020". Ghana News Agency. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
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