Ghana's Free Cancer Screenings Aim to Save Lives in Underserved Regions

A free cervical and breast cancer screening programme has taken place in Ghana's Nabdam District. The initiative, led by CENSUDI, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Bolgatanga Central Hospital, targeted over 100 women and students. Organisers hope to raise awareness in underserved communities where screening rates remain dangerously low.

The pilot event was held at Nyogbare CHPS Compound, with plans to expand to Kotintabig CHPS Compound and other parts of the Upper East Region. Nabdam District was chosen due to its low HPV vaccination coverage—currently below 90%. Nationally, Ghana's cervical screening rate stands at just 16.8%.

CENSUDI's Cervical Health Advocacy (CenCerHeAd) project aims to increase screening rates in the region to 50% by 2030. The organisation focuses on women and girls in marginalised areas, where access to health insurance and awareness remain limited. Franciska Issaka, CENSUDI's president, is both a survivor and a 'previvor' of cervical and breast cancers, driving her commitment to the cause.

Roger Tandanbil, an Oncology Nurse Specialist, warned that cervical cancer is often a 'silent disease' with no early symptoms. He stressed that prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screening is critical. While breast cancer receives more public attention, cervical cancer remains a major but preventable threat to women's health.

The screening team prepared for over 100 participants at Nyogbare, though exact attendance figures have not yet been released. Additional women were welcomed if turnout exceeded expectations.

The outreach programme marks a step toward improving early detection in high-risk health regions. If successful, the CenCerHeAd project could significantly reduce cervical cancer cases in the Upper East Region. Further screenings are planned as part of the long-term strategy to reach the 2030 target.