The Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, has launched the National Pink Month 2026 under the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes” with a renewed commitment to strengthening breast cancer awareness, early detection, referral and access to quality care.
The launch brought together health professionals, development partners, breast cancer survivors, queen mothers, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to promote breast health awareness and encourage women to seek timely medical care.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director-General of the Service, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah said breast cancer awareness must extend beyond October, urging women and families to pay attention to breast health, recognize possible warning signs and seek appropriate care promptly. She noted that improving breast cancer outcomes requires not only awareness but also a responsive and accessible health system that supports patients from early detection and diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship.
She highlighted the implementation of the BEAT Breast Cancer Project in the Ashanti, Northern and Greater Accra Regions by the GHS, in partnership with Jhpiego and with funding support from the Pfizer Foundation acknowledging that the project has equipped healthcare providers with skills in clinical breast examinations, breast cancer education, addressing myths and misconceptions and patient navigation to ensure women with breast abnormalities are appropriately referred and supported through the care pathway.
The Deputy Director-General called on health professionals, communities, the media, civil society organisations and development partners to intensify education and promote timely health-seeking behaviour. She also acknowledged the contribution of breast cancer survivors, noting that their experiences can encourage others to seek care early.
She pledged the Service’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen breast cancer awareness, promote early detection and improve health outcomes, while urging the public to make early action a year-round commitment.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, called for stronger efforts to promote early detection, improve access to treatment and provide compassionate care for breast cancer patients.
She disclosed that Ghana records an estimated 4,650 new breast cancer cases and approximately 2,060 deaths annually, emphasizing that the disease affects not only patients but also their families and the healthcare system.
Dr. Ayensu Danquah highlighted the government's commitment to improving cancer care through initiatives such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares and the Free Primary Health Care Initiative, which aim to expand access to screening, diagnosis and treatment while reducing financial barriers.
She urged the public to seek medical attention promptly when they notice unusual breast changes, cautioning that fear, stigma, misinformation and delays in seeking care can worsen outcomes. She also called on communities, traditional leaders, development partners and the media to support breast cancer awareness and encourage early action.
Speaking on behalf of Jhpiego, the Country Director, Dr. Pearl Nanka-Bruce, highlighted the organization’s Every Day Breast Cancer Initiative, which has supported breast cancer education across 240 healthcare facilities, screened more than 18,000 women and provided diagnostic care to over 1,900 women. Of those assessed, 75 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and linked to treatment.
Dr. Nanka-Bruce called for intensified efforts to overcome barriers to care and ensure that women receive timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued support throughout their care journey.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Joana Ansong advocated for equitable access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. She noted that Africa recorded an estimated 225,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 100,000 deaths in 2024, highlighting the need for stronger health systems and improved access to essential cancer services.
She further called for greater support for breast cancer survivors and concerted action to address the challenges that prevent women, particularly those in underserved communities, from accessing timely care.
Addressing participants at the launch, Dr. Victor Dedjoe a Ghanaian radiologist and the Chief Executive Officer of Soyuz Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Limited, introduced an innovative Mobile Mammogram Van designed to support breast cancer screening and diagnosis, particularly by bringing screening services closer to communities.
He explained that the mobile mammogram van was designed and completed in Kumasi and is equipped with both a 3D mammogram machine and an ultrasound machine to facilitate breast cancer screening and diagnostic services.
The initiative aims to make early detection more accessible and contribute to the timely identification and management of breast cancer.
According to Dr. Dedjoe plans are underway to have three mobile mammogram vans in operation by the close of the year, which will further expand the reach of breast cancer screening services across the country.
The launch also featured contributions from queen mothers and breast cancer survivors, demonstrating the important role of communities in promoting breast health awareness and encouraging early detection. They restated the need for sustained collaboration among government, health professionals, development partners, traditional authorities and communities to strengthen breast cancer prevention and care, with a focus on ensuring that early detection leads to timely treatment and improved outcomes for women across Ghana.