Experts Criticize Ghana’s Cancer Care, Call for Systemic Improvements

Experts in Ghana’s cancer treatment ecosystem are raising alarms about the country’s high cancer mortality rate. They attribute this to inadequate care and treatment facilities. Key issues include poor data collection, lack of a cancer registry, and outdated policies.

According to the International Research Agency for Cancer, Ghana’s overall cancer incidence rate is 120.4 per 100,000 people per year, while the fatality rate stands at 82.6. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved cancer care.

At the Trust Hospital Cancer Care Academy in Accra, stakeholders discussed these challenges under the theme “Closing the Care Gap: Advancing Cancer Care through Education and Collaboration.” The three-day event brought together health professionals, academics, and policymakers.

Dr. Florence Dedey, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School’s Department of Surgery, criticized the current cancer care policies. “The National Cancer Control Plan, which was supposed to span from 2012 to 2016, is outdated. There has been no recent review, and data collection remains inadequate,” Dedey stated.

Dr. Dedey emphasized the need for an effective cancer registry to close the data gap. “Accurate data is crucial for cost-efficient interventions, research, and surveillance,” she said. A comprehensive registry would enable better tracking of cancer cases and outcomes, facilitating more effective treatment strategies.

Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollenu, representing the Ghana Health Service, highlighted several inadequacies in the country’s cancer care system. “Issues in financing, healthcare personnel, education, and information exchange drive patients to seek treatment from unqualified individuals,” he noted.

Dr. Odiko-Ollenu stressed the importance of education and collaboration in improving cancer care. “Education empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Access to full information about diagnoses, treatment options, and support services is vital,” he added.

Dr. Odiko-Ollenu advocated for interdisciplinary teamwork among health professionals to facilitate early identification and intervention in cancer cases. He also urged health workers to stay current with emerging cancer treatment technologies and trends.

Dr. Mary Efua Commeh, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Hospital, underscored the significance of the event. “The three-day event provides an opportunity for both health professionals and non-healthcare professionals to learn and collaborate,” she said.

The experts’ discussions at the Trust Hospital Cancer Care Academy highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in Ghana’s cancer care. Establishing an up-to-date cancer registry, revising outdated policies, and enhancing education and collaboration are critical steps toward improving patient outcomes.

Ghana’s health authorities must prioritize these changes to reduce the cancer mortality rate and provide better care for patients. As the country grapples with these challenges, the commitment of healthcare professionals and policymakers will be crucial in making lasting improvements.

Source: Ghana Web