The high cost of breast cancer care in Ghana

Breast cancer treatment remains a major financial challenge for many patients in Ghana, with the cost of medical care, diagnostic tests, medicines, transportation and lost income placing considerable pressure on households.

Although early detection and timely treatment are important in managing the disease, the financial implications can make it difficult for some patients to complete their recommended treatment or attend regular hospital appointments.

For families already struggling with the rising cost of living, a breast cancer diagnosis can introduce an unexpected financial burden that extends beyond the hospital.

Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, prescription medicines and repeated medical examinations, depending on the patient’s condition and the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. These expenses, combined with the loss of income during treatment, can make the journey particularly difficult for people with limited financial resources.

Research highlights financial burden

A 2024 study published in PLOS ONE, titled An Assessment of the Direct and Indirect Costs of Breast Cancer Treatment in Leading Cancer Hospitals in Ghana, examined the financial burden experienced by 217 breast cancer patients receiving care at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Sweden Ghana Medical Centre.

The researchers found that patients incurred a median total cost of approximately GH¢31,021 during one year of active treatment, based on expenditure recorded for 2019.

The study estimated the median cost at GH¢29,606 for patients receiving care at the public facilities examined, compared with GH¢55,071 for those treated at the private facility included in the research.

These figures illustrate the considerable financial demands associated with breast cancer care. However, they reflect the study’s findings for 2019 and should not be interpreted as current treatment prices.

The research also found that direct expenses, including medical treatment and related costs, accounted for approximately 61.9 per cent of the overall financial burden. The remaining 38.1 per cent was attributed to indirect costs, including lost productivity and income associated with illness and caregiving.

The findings suggest that the financial impact of breast cancer extends well beyond the bills patients receive at hospitals.

Beyond hospital bills

For many patients, paying for treatment is only one part of the financial challenge.

Transportation to hospitals, accommodation for those travelling from distant communities, food and other household expenses can add to the cost of managing the disease.

Patients who live outside major urban centres may face additional difficulties when they need to travel repeatedly to specialist facilities for consultations, investigations and treatment.

The demands of treatment can also affect employment and family income. Some patients may have to reduce their working hours or stop working temporarily, while relatives may take time away from their jobs to provide care and accompany them to hospital.

These indirect costs can be particularly difficult for households that depend on daily earnings or operate small businesses.

A separate study published in PLOS Global Public Health in 2022 examined treatment costs and coping strategies among breast cancer patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The study estimated average household expenditure at approximately US$990.40, including medical, non-medical and indirect costs. It also highlighted the financial and psychological implications of treatment for patients and their families.

Although the findings relate to a specific group of patients, they reinforce concerns that cancer treatment can place considerable pressure on household finances.

The role and limitations of health insurance

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is an important part of Ghana’s efforts to improve access to healthcare, including services for people diagnosed with breast cancer.

However, having health insurance does not necessarily mean that every expense associated with cancer treatment will be covered.

A study published in BMJ Open in January 2026 examined stakeholder perspectives on NHIS coverage for breast and cervical cancer care in Ghana. It found that although consultations, diagnostic services, radiotherapy and selected chemotherapy medicines are included in the scheme’s benefits package, limitations in the scope and implementation of coverage can leave patients facing out-of-pocket expenses.

The research highlights a gap between the benefits officially provided for under the scheme and the experiences reported by some stakeholders involved in cancer care.

For patients, these expenses may create difficult choices, particularly when they have limited savings or depend on relatives for financial assistance.

Some may need to borrow money, seek donations or rely on support from friends, religious organisations and charitable groups to meet treatment expenses.

The situation raises questions about how effectively existing health financing arrangements protect patients from the financial consequences of serious illnesses.

Late diagnosis and the cost of treatment

The cost of breast cancer care also highlights the importance of improving awareness and encouraging people to seek medical attention when they notice unusual breast changes.

Fear, misinformation, limited access to healthcare and concerns about treatment expenses can discourage some people from seeking medical assessment promptly.

Delays in seeking care can allow the disease to progress, potentially making treatment more complex. However, the relationship between the stage of diagnosis and treatment costs varies according to individual circumstances, the type of treatment required and the patient’s response to care.

The 2024 study of patients at three Ghanaian facilities found that treatment costs varied considerably across patients and healthcare settings.

Improving access to breast health education, appropriate diagnostic services and timely referrals could help patients receive the care they need earlier.

Health professionals also have an important role in explaining available treatment options and helping patients understand the potential financial implications of their care.

A difficult journey for low-income households

The financial burden of breast cancer can be especially severe for patients who have limited or unstable incomes.

People who depend on informal employment, small businesses or daily wages may find it difficult to balance treatment appointments with their need to earn a living.

For such households, the consequences may extend to other family members, including children whose education and general welfare depend on the same limited financial resources.

Caregivers can also experience considerable pressure as they attempt to meet the patient’s needs while maintaining their own employment and household responsibilities.

Beyond the financial strain, patients may experience anxiety about their ability to continue treatment, support their families and manage the uncertainty associated with the disease.

This makes financial assistance and psychosocial support important components of comprehensive cancer care.

The need for stronger support systems

Addressing the financial burden of breast cancer will require coordinated efforts from government, healthcare providers, insurers, civil society organisations and development partners.

One priority is to strengthen public financing for cancer care and ensure that eligible patients can access the benefits available under the NHIS.

Clearer information about covered services, medicines and diagnostic procedures could also help patients understand their entitlements and identify potential expenses before beginning treatment.

Expanding access to affordable diagnostic services and specialist care outside major urban centres may help reduce transportation and accommodation costs for patients who travel long distances to receive treatment.

Hospitals and cancer support organisations could further assist by connecting patients to available financial aid, counselling services and other support programmes.

In addition, regularly updated research into the cost of breast cancer treatment would help policymakers understand the expenses patients currently face and identify gaps in existing support arrangements.

Such evidence would be particularly useful in determining whether current insurance benefits and public funding adequately reflect the financial demands of cancer care.

Conclusion

Breast cancer treatment in Ghana involves challenges that extend beyond medical care. For many households, the combined costs of treatment, transportation, lost income and caregiving can become a substantial financial burden.

Research conducted in Ghana has documented these pressures and highlighted the need for stronger public financing and more effective financial protection for patients.

While awareness and early diagnosis remain important, patients must also be able to access and complete appropriate treatment without facing overwhelming financial hardship.

Ultimately, improving breast cancer outcomes requires not only access to medical services but also a healthcare financing system that helps patients receive the care they need, regardless of their economic circumstances.