The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that Ghana records an estimated 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with about 1,700 women losing their lives to the disease.

Health experts warn that cervical cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country, despite being largely preventable through vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment.

According to the WHO, low awareness levels, limited access to screening services, and delays in seeking medical care remain key barriers to prevention and treatment in Ghana.

“Cervical cancer is not a death sentence. With the right policies, HPV vaccination, and widespread screening programmes, we can save thousands of lives,” a WHO regional health officer emphasised.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has in recent years stepped up efforts to increase awareness and improve access to screening, while the government explores broader adoption of the HPV vaccine to protect girls before exposure to the virus.

Public health advocates are urging communities, religious leaders, and policymakers to support vaccination and routine screening initiatives, stressing that early detection offers the best chance of survival.

WHO has set a global target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by the end of the century, aiming for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women to undergo screening at least twice in their lifetime, and 90% of those diagnosed to receive appropriate treatment.

For Ghana, meeting these targets will be critical to reducing the burden of cervical cancer and saving lives.