Childhood Cancer Cases Rise Sharply in Ghana

Childhood cancer cases are rising sharply in Ghana. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi recorded 160 new cases last year. This year, 65 children have already been diagnosed in the first quarter alone. These figures signal a worrying increase in childhood cancer rates across the country.

Specialist Paediatrician Dr. Yvonne Addo stated that these numbers reflect broader trends seen at other major centres like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Korle Bu recorded 230 cases in 2020. The increasing numbers are concerning for healthcare providers. Leukemia is now the leading childhood cancer in Ghana. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) accounts for 60 percent of cases.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) makes up the remaining 40 percent. Dr. Addo expressed concern about the high proportion of AML cases. She explained that AML often requires bone marrow transplants for curative treatment. She noted that such advanced treatments are not always available. Many AML cases are therefore managed palliatively, meaning care focuses on comfort rather than cure. This highlights significant limitations in current treatment capabilities for certain types of childhood cancer.

Many children do not reach specialised treatment centres in time. Delays are often caused by families seeking alternative remedies first. Cultural beliefs about illness also play a role. Financial constraints are a major obstacle. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers some diagnostics and treatments. However, only a limited number of medications are included. Families frequently pay for tests, medicines, and treatment out-of-pocket. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates Ghana should diagnose between 1,000 and 1,400 childhood cancer cases annually. This suggests a large number of children are lost before diagnosis or treatment can be fully completed.

Dr. Addo stressed that greater public awareness is crucial. Early diagnosis and full health insurance coverage could improve survival rates significantly. Adwoa Pinamang Desu, Country Director of World Child Cancer, highlighted the need for stronger clinical guidance. She specifically mentioned radiology for children. A lack of child-specific radiology protocols has been a long-standing gap. This often leads to adult protocols being adapted for children. This adaptation can affect diagnostic accuracy. A dedicated paediatric radiology guideline is being developed. This guideline aims to improve the accuracy and standardization of imaging care for children. It will support healthcare professionals in delivering better cancer diagnoses and treatment plans.