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Ghana’s Experience in Cervical Cancer Control
Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano
Public Health Specialist, Family Health
Ghana Health Service
According to Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting
women in Ghana. Every year, an estimated 3,050 women are diagnosed with this disease, and 2,000 die.
Reliable data are not available on incidence, with estimates ranging from 16.5 to 49.9 cases per 100,000
women.
A protocol for a national cancer registry has been prepared. In addition, there is a proposal for drafting a
strategic plan for prevention and control of cancers during the period of 2007 to 2011. This would
provide policy, standards, and protocols for cervical cancer screening, treatment of precancerous
lesions, and management of invasive cervical cancer.
Currently, primary prevention includes education on lifestyle
modification and on reducing high-risk sexual behavior. In
regard to HPV vaccinations, the vaccine is available in private
clinics but there is no national program. There is a proposal
for a vaccination pilot project for the Western region by the
Africa Oxford Cancer Foundation.
In regard to secondary prevention, a few specialized
hospitals provide Pap smears, and VIA is performed in two
centers. Screening coverage is less than 5 percent for the country.
For invasive cervical cancer, some care—including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—is
available in tertiary centers, and some palliative care is provided.
The challenges for cervical cancer prevention in Ghana are many:
• No structured national vaccination program.
• No comprehensive program for vaccination and screening.
• Low public awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention, even among medical personnel.
• Late reporting: most cases are advanced when discovered.
• Limited human resources for screening and case management.
• Data management: cancer registry needed.
The Ugandan experience with
vaccination and new screening
technologies has given other
African countries a “window of
hope” in looking toward the
future.
In order to move forward, the country needs a national policy as well as increased numbers of trained
personnel for screening, case management, and data management. There is need for continued
dialogue among stakeholders to ensure funding. Public awareness is also crucial, and mass media should
Report of an African Regional Meeting on Cervical Cancer: September 2010 29