Accra: The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has urged men to adopt a proactive health-seeking approach to prevent and seek early treatment for prostate cancer, a prevalent health issue among Ghanaian men. Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, the CEO of UGMC, emphasized the importance of early health checks, stating, "Proactive checks save lives, and the earlier we act, the better the outcomes we get."
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Tanko made this appeal during the launch of the 2025 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, organized in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Urological Surgeons (GAUS) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), with support from Johnson and Johnson. He announced plans to establish a prostate cancer registry in partnership with GHS to enhance the fight against the disease and urged men nationwide to prioritize health screening for early detection and treatment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in September, aims to educate the public and men about prostate cancer. Dr. Mary Monney-Bortey, Head of the Urology Department at UGMC, noted that prostate cancer is the leading cancer among Ghanaian men and a significant global health challenge. She highlighted the devastating outcomes due to silence and late patient presentation and encouraged men over 40 to undergo annual screenings for better survival chances.
Prof. Matthew Kyei, Head of the Department of Surgery at UGMS and Vice President of GAUS, explained that globally, one in eight men will experience prostate cancer, with diagnoses typically occurring from age 65 onwards. He noted that in Ghana, many diagnoses are late, with over half presenting at advanced stages. While early-stage prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of up to 98%, late detection prognosis is often poor. Prof. Kyei pointed out the availability of effective screening tools and treatments in Ghana but cited affordability, accessibility, and awareness as major challenges.
Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Director General of GHS, advocated for integrating prostate cancer checks into Ghana's primary healthcare system. She urged stakeholders to utilize platforms such as churches and community gatherings to normalize men's health discussions and emphasized the need for clear referral pathways, more trained urologists, and consistent medical supplies.
Mr. Kwame Frimpong, representing Johnson and Johnson, expressed the company's pride in supporting the health campaign and reaffirmed their commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana. The event included a panel discussion and a Q and A session where participants addressed concerns about early detection challenges, stigma, disease causes, fear, and the limited knowledge about prostate cancer among Ghanaians.
