Prostate cancer: early detection, better outcomes
September is globally recognised as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Ghana is joining the international community to raise awareness about this growing health concern.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the country, and as such early detection is fundamental for effective treatment.
The alarming statistics of prostate cancer in the country highlights the need for awareness and subsequent action.
According to the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, fewer than 20 per cent of men above 50 years in the country had ever undergone a simple PSA test (a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, PSA, a protein made by the prostate gland), and that there was a high mortality rate of prostate cancer in the country, with 80 per cent of cases being detected in advanced stages and more than 50 per cent of men in the country had little or no knowledge of prostate cancer (See Daily Graphic, Thursday, September 4, 2025).
Again, the GHS notes that 2,395 cases of prostate cancer were recorded in 2022, resulting in 1,233 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 52 per cent.
However, other sources also suggest that more than 3000 new cases are detected annually, with more than half diagnosed at an advanced stage.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, research suggests that certain lifestyle changes and habits may help reduce the risk.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, urges men to prioritise their health and take proactive steps to reduce their risk.
Health experts say there are some potential ways men can lower their risk. For instance, they suggest regular exercises such as walking, jogging or cycling, for at least 30 minutes a day.
It is also important for men to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
They should also include foods high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes (lycopene), green tea and cruciferous vegetables and maintain a healthy weight because excess weight, particularly obesity, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Smoking, according to them, is also linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer as well as other health problems.
The Daily Graphic is happy that the GHS would be expanding screening through wellness clinics, including leveraging the free primary healthcare initiative to promote preventive care.
A cancer registry to capture the data of incidents, survival and outcomes of prostate cancer to ensure better planning and accountability would also be established.
At the launch of this year’s prostate cancer awareness month, the Vice-President of the Ghana Association of Urological Surgeons, Prof. Matthew Yamoah Kyei, said there were only 51 urologists available, and 18 MRIs were used in the treatment of prostate cancer across the country.
The imaging technique provides detailed information about the prostate gland, helping urologists to detect prostate cancer more accurately.
While Prof. Kyei gave an assurance that the country had the necessary resources and expertise to manage prostate cancer effectively, it is essential for the government through the Ministry of Health to address the issue of urologists and MRIs to significantly improve health outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
More importantly, the Daily Graphic would like to encourage men to go for regular screening to help detect prostate cancer early.
One of the challenges of prostate cancer is the late state of diagnosis, with about 85 per cent of cancers found in men in the advanced stage.
Raising awareness about prostate cancer is vital to encourage men to undergo regular screenings and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
Education and awareness can help reduce the stigma associated with prostate cancer to promote early detection and treatment.
Everyone has to stay informed through education on prostate cancer, its symptoms and risk factors.
Anyone concerned about prostate cancer also needs to consult a doctor for personalised advice.
