Ghana must urgently establish a Breast Centre of Excellence to respond to the rising burden of breast cancer, Professor Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey (FGA), a leading breast surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, has stated. Widely recognised as one of Ghana’s leading voices on breast cancer awareness, treatment, and policy advocacy, he warned that the incidence of breast cancer in the country is projected to increase and is likely to worsen if decisive action is not taken.
He made these remarks during his Inaugural Lecture held on Thursday, 12th March 2026, at the Academy’s auditorium in Accra. He explained that the rising number of cases is driven by multiple factors, including an ageing population, westernised lifestyles, and reproductive patterns. He also identified possible contributors such as non-lye hair relaxers, skin bleaching products, and galamsey, noting that these remain speculative and require further scientific validation.
According to him, addressing the challenge will require sustained investment in early diagnosis, expansion of treatment capacity, improved clinical decision-making, and the establishment of specialised centres such as a Breast Centre of Excellence.
He observed that Ghana records significantly higher mortality rates from breast cancer compared to countries in the Western world. This, he explained, is largely due to late detection, with many patients presenting at advanced stages. Ineffective treatment, often resulting from inappropriate therapeutic choices and reliance on unproven remedies, further compounds the challenge.
Professor Clegg-Lamptey described breast cancer as a major public health concern with profound biopsychosocial effects on patients and their families, causing anxiety, high mortality, and significant financial burden. He stressed that addressing the situation requires early presentation, prompt and accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive supportive care.
He further emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, invest in implementation research, and establish a dedicated Breast Centre of Excellence to provide accessible, walk-in services. He called on all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to addressing what he described as a growing national concern, noting that the breast is a blessing and must not become a source of suffering.
Chairing the lecture, Emerita Professor Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, FGA, President of GAAS, underscored the importance of eliminating stigma associated with breast cancer. She urged the public to foster a more supportive environment for patients and to take collective responsibility in addressing the challenge. She also highlighted concerns around galamsey as a possible risk factor and called for sustained national efforts to curb the menace.
The lecture attracted a large and diverse audience, including Fellows and staff of the Academy, representatives from Health Concern Ghana and the University of Ghana Medical School, students from Labone Senior High School, key stakeholders, and members of the general public. The event formed part of the Academy’s 2026 Inaugural Lecture Series, which promotes scholarly discourse on issues of national importance.
