Over A 1000 Cases Of Childhood Cancers In Ghana Untreated

A visit to the oncology department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital will reveal a thinly
stretched staff who are overwhelmed by the number of childhood cancer cases they see daily.
With only three out of ten cases meeting the survival rate, doctors are asking for more education
and financial support in the fight.

Currently, it is estimated that about 1500 cases of childhood cancers will be diagnosed annually
in Ghana. However less than 500 of these cases are receiving treatment from medical facilities.
According to Dr. Nana Yaa Akyaa Bonney, over 1000 cases go undiagnosed due to parents
taking sick wards to prayer camps and herbal centers.

Speaking on the AM Club on mx24, Dr. Nana Yaa Akyaa Bonney said “the oncology department
is challenged. Sometimes doctors have to provide money for transportation as parents spend all
their money on the treatment of their wards.’

Although more than 80% of children with cancer live in developing countries like Ghana, only
about 20% to 30% of them receive such treatment. The cost of treatment has been cited as the
main reason for the low treatment rate in Ghana. Only four of the childhood cancers are covered
by the NHIS.

September is set aside to commemorate childhood cancers awareness month. The theme for 2022
is “Better Survival” is achievable through your hands.