Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Consultant, Breast Surgeon, President and Founder of Breast Care International has urged the government, through the Minister of Health and Ghana Health Service, to as a matter of urgency, put Cancer Patients on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) as a source of support for them.
According to her, the cost of treatment of cancer is costly and pushes most of the survivors into poverty hence the need to support them.
She noted that everybody is a potential cancer and other communicable disease patient, and suggested the adoption of People Centered approach that could lead to improved patient well-being, higher quality care and increased trust in healthcare providers.
Dr Wiafe Addai made the recommendations while sensitising the residents and students of Beposo in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti region, during the celebration of World Cancer Day 2025, under the theme: ‘United by Unique’.
The BCI founder noted that a people centered approach also boosts satisfaction among patients and families, while improving health equity and the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.
She disclosed that in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million loss to cancer and that, about 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime and for each person it affects, the experience will be different.
“Not only does cancer encompass over two hundred (200) disease types requiring specific treatments, but also each person’s life situation differs in terms of socio-economic background, values and preferences”, she said.
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Breast Care International disclosed that by understanding and integrating the needs and preferences of individuals and communities into healthcare delivery, health systems will provide more equitable access to care, as well as in low and high income settings.
Dr. Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) revealed that new three-year World Cancer Day campaign, UnitedBy, uniquely recognises that every experience with cancer is unique and everyone has unique needs, unique perspectives and a unique story to tell.
She said it delivers health systems which treat patients with cancer effectively and successfully, resulting in more people surviving their cancer and leading long and healthier lives.
She stressed the importance of people living with cancer to be heard and empowered.
Nana Atakora Bonsrah I, the Caretaker chief of Ankaase, expressed gratitude to Breast Care International and their partners for sensitisation and screening of the residents in the area to create awareness of cancer.
According to him, awareness creation is the best way to prevent the disease and, therefore, called on stakeholders in the health sector, individuals and corporate organisations to get involved in the fight against cancer.
