By Emmanuel Anyigba
GHANA has joined the global community to commemorate World Cancer Day with renewed calls for government to prioritize cancer screening and invest in systems that promote early detection and effective treatment.
The 2026 observance is being led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) under the theme “United by Unique.” According to the UICC, the day seeks to raise awareness, promote research, and mobilize global action toward cancer prevention, screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
In Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, delivered a statement highlighting the critical importance of early detection and prevention in reducing cancer-related deaths.
Contributing to the discussion, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim, echoed the call for early screening, stressing that cancer affects individuals differently and therefore requires personalized care.
“Cancer manifests differently in individuals and personalities; therefore, there is no one standard care for any case of cancer,” she noted.
Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim also raised concerns about the possible health risks associated with the consumption of non-organically grown food products. She cited commonly consumed items such as tomatoes, mangoes, and pineapples, cautioning that some foods on the market may contain harmful substances that contribute to the development of cancer.
“Some of these food items are not organically grown, and as such may contribute to the proliferation of cancer in our system,” she stated.
She urged regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure food safety and to promote healthy eating habits nationwide.
She further emphasized that cancer care must be personalized, accessible, and equitable for all Ghanaians. The MPs jointly called on government to invest in robust systems and processes that ensure timely cancer screening for all who need it, noting that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Established in 2000, World Cancer Day aims to reduce cancer-related deaths and improve access to quality care worldwide. Health experts in Ghana warn that the country’s cancer burden is steadily increasing, with breast and cervical cancers ranking among the most prevalent.
As Ghana marks World Cancer Day, advocates are urging government to intensify efforts in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, and to guarantee universal access to quality cancer care.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
