The latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) should not be taken lightly.
Nearly four out of every 10 cancer cases worldwide are linked to risk factors that can be prevented.
That is not just a global concern, it is a direct warning to countries like Ghana.
For too long, cancer has been spoken about in hushed tones, often seen as a matter of fate. But the science tells a different story.
Many of the drivers of the disease are well known: tobacco use, excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, obesity, infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, and even air pollution.
These are not distant threats. They are part of everyday life.
What is more worrying is that the global burden is expected to rise sharply.
The WHO projects that annual cancer cases could increase from about 20.6 million today to nearly 35 million by 2050 if urgent steps are not taken.
Already, cancer claims close to 10 million lives each year. Behind these numbers are families, communities and livelihoods cut short.
In Ghana, the picture is equally troubling. About 28,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, with nearly 18,000 deaths.
Health experts have consistently pointed to late diagnosis as a major cause of these deaths.
Many patients arrive at health facilities when the disease is already advanced, making treatment difficult and, in some cases, impossible.
But late detection is only part of the problem. There is still limited public awareness about the risk factors that drive cancer.
Too many people are unaware that everyday choices what we eat, how active we are, whether we smoke or drink excessively can increase or reduce their chances of developing the disease.
To its credit, Ghana has made some progress.
The rollout of HPV vaccination for girls, hepatitis B immunisation, tobacco control measures, and the provision of free primary healthcare services are important steps.
However, these efforts remain insufficient when weighed against the growing scale of the challenge.
The Ghanaian Times is of the firm view that the country must shift its focus more decisively towards prevention.
Public education must be sustained and practical.
It should move beyond periodic campaigns and become part of everyday conversation. People need clear, relatable information that helps them make better health choices.
Screening services must also be expanded. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer deaths, yet access is still limited, particularly outside major urban centres. Bringing screening closer to communities will save lives.
At the policy level, more attention must be given to environmental and lifestyle risks.
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