Know your risk, fight the silence: Early detection through routine screening key in prostate cancer battle

Globally, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among men.

Prostate cancer develops in the small walnut-shaped gland called the prostate. 

It is inferior to the bladder and frontal to the rectum. It produces fluid which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. Prostate cancer occurs due to the accumulation of multiple mutations leading to uncontrollable cell growth. Men in Ghana are not exempted from this finding. 

Study shows that more than 200 Ghanaian men in a population of 100,000 are to develop prostate cancer. In the same study, there was a predicted continuous increase in prostate cancer cases in the country.

The alarming prediction of prostate cancer prevalence calls for a crucial need to increase awareness and early detection as this is important for timely and successful treatment since prostate cancer is highly treatable in the early stage.

It is worth noting that men, aged 50 years and above and of African descent with a family history of prostate cancer or other types of cancers, are at high risk of prostate cancer. 

Early detection

In addition, excessive alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, obesity, high-fat diet, exposure to carcinogens, chronic infections, and immunosuppressants are found to increase one’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer in the early stage presents no definite symptoms. Nonetheless, some late symptoms of prostate cancer may include frequent urination, painful and bloody ejaculations, difficulty in starting or maintaining urination and hematuria.

Sadly, there is no assured way to prevent the development of prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, decreased intake of alcohol and a high-fat diet, and cutting down on tobacco smoking prove beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

Early detection of prostate cancer, is critical for successful prostate cancer treatment. Periodic prostate cancer screening, such as the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) or the Prostate-Specific Antigen test, is essential for prostate cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and successful treatment.

Visit your physician to discuss your risk of prostate cancer, for early detection is the best way to battle prostate cancer.

* The writer is a student of UHAS
Writer’s email: dafoakwa20@sbbs.uhas.edu.gh