Korle Bu Surgeon Urges Expansion of Cancer Centres Amid Rising Breast Cancer Cases
Dr. Josephine Nsaful, a General Surgeon at the Breast Cancer Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, is urging the government to establish more cancer centres across Ghana to help manage the growing number of breast cancer cases. She described the current unit as overwhelmed by the rising patient load, stressing the urgent need to expand access to care.
Speaking at the launch of the Dzidula Breast Cancer Foundation in Accra Dr. Nsaful revealed that the unit registers at least 600 new breast cancer cases annually, not including patients already undergoing treatment. “We see about 600 new cases every year, on top of those living with the disease. It is deeply concerning and quite overwhelming. Our clinic days are among the longest in the surgical department,” she said.
“Establishing additional cancer centres would help ease the pressure on teaching hospitals and, most importantly, make cancer care more accessible to Ghanaians.”
Breast cancer survivor and founder of the Dzidula Breast Cancer Foundation, Fafa Gozo, also called for increased private sector support to ensure patients receive uninterrupted and quality care. She highlighted the financial challenges faced by many patients, noting that treatment interruptions are common due to economic constraints.
“I have patients who, because of stigmatisation, do not want to speak publicly, but they are struggling financially. Their treatment is often broken up—today they come, tomorrow they must pause—and this disrupts their recovery. That is why we are raising funds; the government cannot shoulder this burden alone,” Gozo said.
The launch of the Dzidula Breast Cancer Foundation marks a significant step toward improving awareness, patient support, and funding for breast cancer care in Ghana. Both Dr. Nsaful and Gozo emphasized that while medical expertise is crucial, expanding infrastructure and mobilizing financial resources are essential to effectively address the country’s growing breast cancer burden.
With breast cancer cases continuing to rise, calls for additional centres reflect an urgent need to decentralize care and improve treatment outcomes nationwide.
