The Volta Region has recorded 1,182 breast cancer cases over the past five years with 146 additional cases and 10 deaths already recorded in 2026, health authorities have disclosed.

The figures were disclosed by Dr Hedoria Awekeya, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Health at the Volta Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), at the national launch of the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as “Pink October”, held at the GNAT Hall in Ho on Thursday.

According to Dr Awekeya, the region recorded 284 breast cancer cases in 2021, 258 in 2022, 199 in 2023, 217 in 2024 and 224 cases in 2025. 

She added that while nine deaths were recorded in 2025, 10 deaths have been reported in 2026.

She cautioned against treating the figures as mere statistics, stressing that every case represented a real person whose life, family and livelihood could be affected by the disease.

“These figures should not simply be viewed as numbers; these are our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends.”

Dr Awekeya urged women to promptly seek professional medical attention whenever they noticed unusual lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple discharge and other persistent abnormalities.

“The message for this Pink October must therefore be clear: early detection saves lives. Women should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and promptly report any unusual lump, change in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple discharge or other persistent abnormality to a certified health care provider. We must move away from fear, stigma, myths and delayed presentation. Our health facilities, health workers must equally make every contact count by providing appropriate education, clinical assessment and timely referral. We must ride on the back of FPHC to ensure that no woman is left behind. " 

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said breast cancer does not wait for October before occurring and therefore required continuous public awareness and vigilance throughout the year.

She noted that although breast cancer affected both men and women, women account for the majority of the cases, explaining the particular attention given to women during the awareness campaigns.

Dr Lartey stated the fight against breast cancer goes beyond medical issues to include socio-economic and cultural factors that affect patients and their families. 

She stressed that  misinformation and myths surrounding the disease contributed to the delays in screening, diagnosis and treatment.

She therefore urged the public to support breast cancer patients and survivors and avoid stigmatising them.

She also encouraged people diagnosed with the disease not to regard it as a death sentence but an opportunity to seek medical treatment early.

“Don't go to the traditional leaders first. Don't go for spiritual support first, but seek medical treatment and then we'll add the prayers and all other things to it,” Dr Lartey said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, also said breast cancer is not only a health challenge but also has emotional, social and economic consequences for individuals, families and communities. 

He said the campaign theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” underscores the different experiences of people living with the disease.

Mr Gunu called for a collective response involving health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, schools, workplaces, civil society organisations, development partners, the media, families and communities to tackle the fear, stigma and misinformation. 

He advised the residents to undergo regular health checks, seek medical attention promptly when they noticed suspicious symptoms and make breast cancer awareness a year-round responsibility.

“I therefore call for a collective response involving health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, schools, workplaces, civil society organisations, development partners, the media, families and communities to tackle fear, stigma and misinformation." 

“ I urge residents in the Volta region and across Ghana to  embrace regular health checks, seek medical attention promptly when you noticed suspicious symptoms and make breast cancer awareness a year-round responsibility.”