Leukaemia now accounts for about a quarter of all childhood cancers in Ghana, according to clinical haematologist Dr Eugene Tettey.
He says the numbers have risen sharply in recent years and now surpass most other childhood cancers.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Dr Tettey said, “With the latest figures, over the last five years, leukaemias have increased in numbers.”
He said the disease has “overtaken most of our childhood cancers.” He explained that “up to about 25% of childhood cancers, cancers in children of all kinds, leukaemias form about 25% of that.”
He stressed the scale of the problem, saying, “That’s a fourth, one, 1/4 of that.” He added, “And that’s quite a number.”
His comments come amid growing concern about the burden of childhood cancers in Ghana and the capacity of the health system to respond.
The discussion follows a JoyNews Special Assignment documentary that examined the struggles of leukaemia patients across the country.
The documentary highlights how many patients face life-threatening delays because Ghana lacks local bone marrow transplant facilities.
As a result, families are often forced to seek treatment abroad at huge cost.
The investigation showed that for many children diagnosed with leukaemia, time is critical. Delays in accessing specialised treatment can determine survival.
Families interviewed described emotional and financial strain as they searched for options outside the country.
Dr Tettey’s warning places renewed focus on the scale of leukaemia among children and the urgent need for improved cancer care infrastructure.
With leukaemia now accounting for one in every four childhood cancer cases, health advocates say the data underscores the importance of early diagnosis, specialised treatment and long-term investment in local capacity.
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