The Cancer Support Network Foundation (CSNF) held its maiden cancer survivors gala over the weekend in Accra, marking the climax of a series of awareness programmes and donations held throughout the month of June.

The event, themed “Rising strong beyond cancer; a celebration of survivorship and hope for all,” aimed to spotlight the importance of cancer survivorship in Ghana.

Between 2008 and 2022, Ghana saw a 60 percent increase in cancer cases, resulting in approximately 27,400 diagnoses during this period.

Dr Florence Dedey, Head of the Breast Unit at the Surgical Department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, revealed this alarming statistic at the event.

She noted that mortality also increased by 70 percent, with an estimated 18,000 deaths in the same timeframe.

Dr Dedey emphasised the prevalence of breast, liver, cervix, prostate, ovary, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as the most common cancers in Ghana.

She highlighted the risk of developing cancer before age 75 as one in every nine males, one in every seven females, and one in eight for both sexes. The risk of dying from cancer before age 75 stood at one in every 12 males, one in every 11 females, and one in 12 for both sexes.

“Cancer prevention is crucial,” Dr. Dedey stressed, underlining the need for increased awareness and frequent screening to save lives.

She also pointed out the often-neglected survivorship period, which brings its own set of challenges.

“Cancer survivors are generally expected to just snap back to normalcy and continue with life irrespective of all these challenges they may face,” she added.

Dr Dedey, who is also a cancer survivor, shared her personal journey, revealing that she  was diagnosed in August 2016 with breast cancer, underwent the required treatments, and still taking her daily tablets of hormonal therapy.

“So, I speak to you not only as a clinician treating cancer patients but also as a cancer survivor,” she added.

Highlighting the multifaceted impact of cancer, Dr Dedey noted that it affects patients physically, psychologically, socially, economically, and spiritually, impacting families, society, and the nation.

She praised CSNF’s initiative to celebrate Cancer Survivors Month in Ghana and stressed the need for continuous support during the post-treatment phase.

Founder of CSNF Dr Juliet Appiah Quansah, encouraged survivors to share their stories of survival to inspire hope, because cancer is not a death sentence.

President of the foundation, Mr Akwasi Osei, delivering his address stated that the courage and determination of cancer survivors inspires everyone.

He therefore called on the government to introduce initiatives to reduce the high costs of cancer care to improve survival rates.

During the programme, the editor of the Ghanaian Times Newspaper Mr David Agbenu was recognised for prominently featuring health issues, particularly those related to cancer morbidity and access to care, in the newspaper’s various publications.

Other media practitioners and healthcare providers were also honoured at the event for their contributions to the fight against cancer

BY RAISSA SAMBOU