Accra: A study conducted last year at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana's premier health facility, has uncovered a high incidence of anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Head of Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, highlighted this pressing issue at an Inaugural Lecture organized by the University of Ghana in Accra.
Professor Calys-Tagoe emphasized that psychosocial issues are a significant but often overlooked problem among breast cancer patients. The study revealed that four out of every five breast cancer patients experienced varying degrees of anxiety and depression, along with anxiety disorders. "And if you combine both anxiety and depression, we are looking at over 40 percent of all our breast cancer patients," he added.
The psychological challenges faced by these patients largely stem from the tumor itself, treatment processes, cost implications, and associated side effects. Breast cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among women in Ghana, with over 5,000 new cases and approximately 2,400 deaths annually.
Speaking on the topic, "Taming the Crab: Insights into Cancer Care in Ghana," Prof. Calys-Tagoe noted that the most common cancers in Ghana include breast and cervical cancers in females, prostate and liver cancers in males, and retinoblastomas and lymphomas in children. Cancer remains a significant public health concern in the country, with approximately 27,385 new cases and 17,944 deaths recorded annually, according to health authorities.
The lack of structured survivorship clinics and long-term follow-up results in survivors facing long-term side effects and significant financial burdens. Currently, palliative care, which provides relief for symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses, is not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. "There is poor access to psychosocial support, physiotherapy, and nutritional counseling," Prof. Calys-Tagoe warned, noting the rising incidence of cancer in Ghana.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Calys-Tagoe pointed out that more than a third of common cancers in the country are preventable, being largely infection-related or lifestyle-related. This presents a window of hope in addressing the issue. He advocated for early detection through a sustainable national screening program and urged the Government to collaborate with stakeholders to improve infrastructure, capacity building, and policies for effective cancer control.
The integration of palliative care into the primary healthcare system is crucial, as a third of all cancers require palliation. The absence of coverage for palliative care under the National Health Insurance Scheme poses a significant financial barrier to patients. Prof. Calys-Tagoe's presentation delved into cancer control, identifying gaps, opportunities for improvement, and policy direction.
He explained that Ghana is undergoing an epidemiological transition, moving from a prevalence of infectious diseases to an increase in non-communicable diseases, such as cancer. This shift is expected to raise the incidence and mortality rates from cancer, making it a growing public health concern. Current projections suggest that by 2030, cancer cases could surpass those of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined in sub-Saharan Africa.