Ghana is facing a growing cancer crisis, with 24,000 people diagnosed annually, according to data from health authorities and cancer registries.
As the country marks World Cancer Day 2026, Ablekuma North MP Ewurabena Aubynn is sounding the alarm, urging Ghanaians to take cancer seriously and prioritise early detection and treatment.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Aubynn expressed deep concern about the strain cancer puts on Ghana’s already burdened healthcare system. Late detection is a major issue, with many Ghanaians lacking access to crucial screening services.
Even when services are available, affordability is a significant barrier, preventing people from getting the care they need.
Aubynn highlighted the devastating impact of cultural and religious beliefs, fear, misinformation, and stigma, which collectively discourage early check-ups and prompt treatment.
“We must break the silence and tackle the stigma surrounding cancer,” she urged. “Early detection saves lives, and we must make screening and treatment accessible and affordable for all.”
The theme for World Cancer Day 2026, “United by Unique”, emphasises the importance of collective action and solidarity in the fight against cancer.
Below is her full statement
STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ABLEKUMA NORTH, HON EWURABENA AUBYNN ON THE OCCASION OF 2026 WORLD CANCER DAY
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity.
Today, I rise on behalf of the people of Ablekuma North and in solidarity with millions across Ghana and the world to mark World Cancer Day 2026, observed under the global theme “United by Unique”, a theme that reminds us that behind every statistic is a human being, a family, and a community whose lives are profoundly affected by cancer.
Rt. Hon. Speaker cancer is no longer a distant or rare disease in Ghana. It is a growing public health challenge that cuts across age, gender, income level, and geography.
According to available data from our health authorities and cancer registries, Ghana records over 24,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast, cervical, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent. Sadly, many of these cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited, costly, and less effective.
In Ablekuma North, as in many other constituencies, we are witnessing an increasing number of families grappling with the emotional and financial burden of cancer.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, the reality is that cancer does not only threaten lives; it impoverishes households, disrupts livelihoods, and places enormous pressure on our already stretched health system.
Honourable Members, one of the most worrying aspects of the cancer burden in Ghana is late detection. Many of our citizens still lack access to regular screening services, and where such services exist, affordability remains a major barrier. Cultural beliefs, religious beliefs, fear, misinformation, and stigma further discourage early health-seeking behaviour.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, despite these challenges, Ghana has made commendable strides in recent years. The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have expanded cancer screening programmes, particularly for breast and cervical cancer, at regional and selected district hospitals.
The establishment of oncology centres at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and other facilities has improved specialist care. Additionally, public education campaigns through the media and community outreach have increased awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.
However, Mr Speaker, awareness alone is not enough. The greatest obstacle remains financing cancer care. Treatment costs for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and supportive care are far beyond the means of the average Ghanaian. The National Health Insurance Scheme, though helpful, does not comprehensively cover many cancer-related services and medicines. Consequently, cancer has become, in many cases, a death sentence for the poor.
It is in this context that I wish to commend His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares Rt. Hon. Speaker, this initiative represents a bold and compassionate policy intervention aimed at providing financial support for Ghanaians suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases, particularly cancer.
MahamaCares offers hope to thousands of vulnerable citizens who would otherwise be denied access to life-saving treatment due to financial constraints. It embodies the principle that access to quality healthcare is not a privilege for the wealthy but-a- fundamental- right- of every Ghanaian. As a house, we must fully support this fund through adequate resourcing, strong oversight, and transparent management to ensure that it reaches those who need it most.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, beyond treatment, we must invest more in prevention and early detection. Evidence shows that up to 40 per cent of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as healthy diets, physical activity, reduced alcohol consumption, avoidance of tobacco, and vaccination against infections like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. We must, therefore, strengthen health education in our schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, and communities.
Mr Speaker, we must also decentralise cancer services.
It is unacceptable that patients from regions like Upper West, Upper East, and parts of Greater Accra, to travel long distances to access radiotherapy and specialised oncology care. This creates delays, increases costs, and discourages treatment adherence. Ghana needs more regional cancer centres, trained oncologists, nurses, and diagnostic facilities.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, on this World Cancer Day, I call on this august House to treat cancer as a national development issue, not just a health problem. A healthy population is the foundation of productivity, economic growth, and social stability. Investing in cancer care is therefore an investment in Ghana’s future.
In conclusion, let us commit ourselves to a Ghana where no citizen dies simply because they are poor; where early screening is accessible in every district; where cancer patients are supported with dignity; and where initiatives like MahamaCares are strengthened to become a lasting pillar of our health system.
Rt. Hon. Speakers, the fight against cancer requires unity from the government, parliament, civil society, the private sector, health professionals, the media, and citizens alike. Together, let us ensure that the message of World Cancer Day 2026 is not just symbolic but transformative for the people of Ghana.
I thank you, Rt. Hon. Speaker.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
