Story
10 October 2026
UN in Ghana Steps Up Breast Cancer Awareness, Calls for Early Detection and Timely Care
The UN in Ghana has stepped up its breast cancer awareness activities, calling for greater public awareness, early detection and timely treatment to help reduce deaths from the disease.Ghana recorded an estimated 5,487 new breast cancer cases and 2,695 deaths in 2024, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen public education, encourage screening and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment.At an event attended by UN staff in Ghana, officials from the Ghana Health Service and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) to announce its planned activities, WHO Country Director Dr. Fiona Braka noted that the UN in Ghana is supporting the national Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, launched in September, by amplifying public awareness messages, promoting breast health and encouraging early detection and timely intervention. Dr. Braka highlighted the global and national breast cancer situation and called for evidence-based action and increased resources to improve outcomes. Dr. Wallace Odiko of the Ghana Health Service emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to address the disease and expressed appreciation to the UN in Ghana for joining national efforts to increase awareness. Providing practical guidance, Dr. Nana Ama Christian, a specialist surgeon at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, briefed participants on early detection, breast self-awareness and where to access screening services. She encouraged staff to be familiar with their breasts, pay attention to unusual changes and seek medical advice promptly if they notice anything concerning. She noted that breast cancer primarily affects women but can also occur in men. According to Dr, Christian, some of the warning signs include a new lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes and unusual nipple discharge. She therefore advised that anyone who notices such changes should seek medical evaluation promptly and to consult qualified health professionals about appropriate screening recommendations and available services. The UN Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, stressed the importance of collective action and sustained awareness in promoting better health outcomes.A key moment of the event was a testimony by breast cancer survivor Madam Ernestina Agyapong, who shared her personal experience and journey. Her account highlighted the importance of seeking medical attention promptly and the vital role of support systems at home, in the workplace and in health facilities in helping people navigate diagnosis and treatment.As part of its ongoing awareness efforts, the UN in Ghana plans to organise webinars, screening opportunities, counselling and staff engagement activities. These initiatives aim to encourage informed conversations about breast health, reduce stigma and strengthen support for people affected by breast cancer.