Korle-Bu battles rising cancer cases

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) continues to see a steady rise in cancer cases, with the facility recording an average of 700 cases annually over the past two decades—a stark reflection of the continent’s wider cancer crisis.

This revelation was made during a high-level cancer research symposium in Accra that brought together oncologists, researchers, and public health professionals to explore Africa-specific strategies in combating cancer, particularly aggressive breast cancers.

Leading the discussions was Dr. Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey, a consultant oncologist at KBTH and General Secretary of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC). She described the growing burden of cancer in Ghana and across Africa as a “public health emergency that requires urgent, coordinated research and investment.”

“Many patients are unable to access timely treatment due to high costs, limited diagnostics, and lack of awareness,” Dr. Ayettey noted, stressing that the economic and social barriers must be addressed alongside scientific breakthroughs. She called for intensified efforts in community education and early detection campaigns, especially in low-resource settings.

The symposium, held under the theme “Catalysing Basic and Translational Cancer in Africa: Advancing Progress and Capacity Building,” forms part of the Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancers (PMABC) project—a collaborative research initiative pushing for improved cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Ayettey explained that the PMABC initiative is not only geared toward clinical innovation but also aims to empower African scientists and institutions to lead locally driven cancer research.

“Africa must not only be a beneficiary of cancer solutions but a driver of its own breakthroughs. PMABC is here to ensure that,” she added.

Also present was Dr. Miriam Mutebe, President of AORTIC, who reaffirmed the life-saving potential of early diagnosis. She stated that breast cancer, the leading cancer among young women in West Africa, is highly treatable when detected early—boasting survival rates of up to 90% in some cases.

She stressed, however, that these outcomes are not yet widespread across Africa due to late presentation and systemic gaps in care.

Participants at the event committed to building stronger research networks, enhancing diagnostic infrastructure, and advocating for better funding to help mitigate Africa’s cancer burden. Discussions also spotlighted cancers with high mortality rates, including cervical, prostate, colorectal, and oesophageal cancers, and explored culturally relevant approaches to prevention and care.

As Africa faces over 24,000 new cancer cases every year, the message from the symposium was clear: the time for bold, Africa-led cancer action is now.