Information Ministry calls for concerted efforts to fight prostate cancer

The Ministry of Information has expressed concern over the rising cases of prostate cancer, especially among men, aged 40 and above.

“Globally, we are also seeing men, the backbone of families and development, succumbing to prostate cancer,” it added.

The sector Minister, Fatimatu Abukari, therefore, appealed to corporate entities, banks and private organisations to join the fight against prostate cancer and also support its treatment.

“The government alone cannot bear the financial cost of fighting cancer across the nation, so while we are taking the lead with our awareness programmes, other organisations can come on board to support the initiative,” she said.

This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the minister by the Director of Procurement at the ministry, Alice Zu, during the presentation of some financial support to the Oncology Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra yesterday, to help reduce the burden of patients with prostate cancer.

The gesture formed part of the ministry’s prostate cancer awareness initiative to combat the disease through public education and support for those in need of treatment.

“With most cases referred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the oncology unit is often overwhelmed, and many patients lack the financial resources to undergo testing or treatment,” she said.

Commitment

Ms Abukari further expressed the commitment of her outfit to extend its cancer awareness programme to more men in rural and underprivileged communities, saying “prostate cancer can affect anyone, and early detection is key to survival”.

“Early testing and treatment of prostate cancer can save lives and ensure that men continue to contribute to the development of our nation," she added.

The minister urged men to take their health seriously by regularly checking their status since prevention is better than cure. 

Appreciation

An oncologist at the Radiotherapy Department, KBTH, Professor Verna Dnk Vanderpuye, who received the cash, thanked the ministry for the support and commitment to improve treatment outcomes.

She also lauded the ministry for its ongoing efforts to increase prostate cancer awareness, particularly in rural areas where men do not have access to critical health information.

“Prostate cancer, which was commonly seen in men in their 70s and 80s, is now being diagnosed in men in their 60s.

“The most important step is to get diagnosed, no matter what you decide to do afterwards, as early diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment,” Prof. Vanderpuye said.

She entreated other organisations and individuals to emulate the example of the ministry, adding “there is the need for increased awareness; we also discourage self-medication and self-diagnosis”.

Prof. Vanderpuye further said that when diagnosed early, patients could live long, such that even when the cancer spread, they could live for another seven to 10 years with proper treatment.