Health experts in Ghana are advocating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in screening and diagnosis to reduce the country’s growing breast cancer cases and deaths.
Data from the Global Cancer Observatory show that Ghana recorded 5,025 new breast cancer cases in 2022, representing 18.4% of all cancers. Out of these, 2,369 women died, making breast cancer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
Most of the victims are below 50 years, with cases increasingly reported among younger women, due to low awareness, late detection, and limited access to quality care.
To raise awareness, the Breast Care International (BCI) and its partners held “The Royal Walk” through the streets of Kumasi, highlighting the need for innovation and early diagnosis.
Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of BCI and CEO of Peace and Love Hospital, described the death toll as alarming and called for stronger interventions.
“More than 2,300 women die from breast cancer in Ghana every year, a figure higher than COVID-19 deaths recorded in two years. This is unacceptable,” she said.
This year’s campaign, themed “A Cure Worth Fighting For,” emphasized continuous education, early detection, and the integration of AI into healthcare to improve outcomes.
“With AI, we can enhance early diagnosis and treatment just as in advanced countries,” Dr. Wiafe Addai added.
Some survivors who joined the walk shared inspiring stories and called for greater financial support for women undergoing treatment.
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