The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has launched the 2025 edition of its annual Cancer Awareness Campaign with a strong call for early detection and sustained public education.
The campaign, led by GAEC’s Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI), is held every October and November to raise awareness of breast and prostate cancers. This year’s launch took place at the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences in Accra under the theme “Screen Today, Live Tomorrow.”
Chairing the event, the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Kwamina Quaison, reiterated the importance of science-driven public health advocacy.
Delivering the keynote address, GAEC Director-General, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, described cancers—particularly breast and prostate cancers—as a mounting public health challenge. He revealed that Ghana records an estimated 27,385 new cancer cases annually, with about 17,944 deaths. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, while prostate cancer continues to be a major threat to men’s health.
“These statistics underscore the urgent need for greater education, heightened awareness, early detection, and effective treatment,” Prof. Dampare stressed.
He referenced World Health Organisation data, noting that breast cancer was the second most common cancer globally in 2024, with about 2.4 million new cases, while prostate cancer ranked fourth, with 1.6 million cases.
Prof. Dampare commended RAMSRI, the GAEC Hospital, and the GAEC Ladies Association for their efforts in spearheading the campaign over the past three years. He also acknowledged sponsors and partners for their continued support.
Looking ahead, he announced that the planning committee would roll out an expanded programme of public education, screening services, and support initiatives for cancer patients and survivors.
“We invite everyone to join us in this collective effort—not only during these designated months but throughout the year—in the fight against cancer,” he urged.
Acting Director of RAMSRI, Dr. Theodosia Adom, presented highlights of the 2024 campaign, which included free screening for more than 1,500 people and extensive community outreach. She said this year’s edition would further scale up screening for both breast and prostate cancers.
The launch attracted participants from the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana Girl Guides Association, Ghana Health Service, National Health Insurance Scheme (Ga East), G4 Security, Health Essentials, the University of Ghana Medical School, and management and staff of GAEC.
