Deputy Minister of Health, Adelaide Yaa Agyeiwaa Ntim has called for a concerted national effort to address the challenges of prostate cancer in Ghana.
Speaking at the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue, Madam Ntim highlighted the growing burden of prostate cancer in the country and emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach to improve awareness, early detection, and treatment.
"Prostate cancer remains a silent burden in Ghana, affecting thousands of our fathers, brothers, and sons," she stated.
"Despite being preventable and treatable, many cases go undiagnosed until they reach advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes."
According to the Deputy Minister, global statistics for 2022 recorded 1,467,054 new prostate cancer cases, making it the fourth most common cancer worldwide.
In Ghana, prostate cancer ranks as one of the top two cancers reported among men.
However, Hon. Ntim lamented that widespread misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the disease continue to hinder early diagnosis and treatment.
"Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early, yet many men avoid seeking medical advice due to myths and stigma," she explained.
"This is why public awareness campaigns are crucial in overcoming these barriers."
Madam Yaa Ntim praised the Ghanaian Development Cooperation and Bayer Pharmaceuticals for their role in convening the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue and for initiating the "Piloting Prostate Cancer Intervention" project in the Greater Accra Region.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness, promote early detection, and develop strategic policy recommendations to improve prostate cancer care in the country.
She outlined several key challenges facing prostate cancer management in Ghana:
On lack of public awareness; Hon. Ntim stressed the need for intensified education efforts to dispel myths and provide accurate information about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening.
Touching on limited access to screening and treatment, she noted that trural areas, in particular, suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for men to access timely screenings, innovative treatments, and affordable medication.
On insufficient financing, she explained that prostate cancer diagnosis and care require substantial financial resources.
Madam Ntim called for collective support to bridge funding gaps and ensure accessible healthcare for all.
On the need for comprehensive data, she stressed that Ghana lacks a national cancer registry, which impedes the collection of reliable data for evidence-based decision-making.
"We must invest in systems that allow for timely collation, analysis, and dissemination of prostate cancer data,"
To tackle these chchallenges, Hon. Ntim proposed several solutions, including establishing a national cancer registry, expanding access to diagnostic equipment, and investing in capacity-building for healthcare professionals.
"By building a well-trained healthcare workforce and equipping facilities with cutting-edge tools, we can reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes," she emphasized.
Madam Ntim also underscored the importance of aligning proposed interventions with national priorities to ensure streamlined implementation and avoid duplication of efforts.
"Achieving universal health coverage and meeting our SDG targets requires a coordinated, multisectoral response," she stated.
"I urge all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and collaborate more closely to address the prostate cancer challenge."
The Deputy Minister assured participants that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that every man in Ghana has access to the care needed to prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer.
"We will continue to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the health and well-being of men in Ghana,"
Dr. Darius Osei, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health, has called for a concerted national effort to tackle prostate cancer, which remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing men in Ghana.
Dr. Osei highlighted that prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men across the country, particularly affecting those aged 40 and above.
"Prostate cancer is not just a health issue; it is a burden that touches the lives of individuals, families, and our healthcare system," Dr. Osei stated.
"However, with strategic action and the commitment of all stakeholders gathered here today, we can overcome this challenge."
He emphasized that the dialogue offers a critical platform to mobilize collective efforts in addressing the key issues surrounding prostate cancer.
He acknowledged the support of development partners such as the German Development Corporation and Biopharmaceutical companies for convening the event and for their continued support in advancing the national health agenda on prostate cancer.
"In line with the implementation of the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Policy, launched by the Ministry of Health in 2022, the contributions of these partners have been invaluable," Dr. Osei said.
"Their resources and dedication have played a key role in advancing awareness and action on prostate cancer."
Dr. Osei further commended the efforts of health professionals, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and other key stakeholders for their tireless work in ensuring that prostate cancer is recognized as a life-threatening condition requiring urgent attention.
"While we have made progress, there is still much work ahead," he noted.
"Today's discussions will help us identify policy gaps, propose actionable strategies, and raise public awareness about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer."
Dr. Osei stressed that tackling prostate cancer is essential for achieving the objectives of the NCD strategy and contributing to Ghana’s broader goal of attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
"By addressing the risk factors and improving public awareness, we can significantly reduce the burden of prostate cancer and improve health outcomes for men across the country," he concluded.
Dr. William Ugo, Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development with GIZ, has announced a collaborative initiative between the German Development Corporation and the government of Ghana aimed at enhancing prostate cancer awareness and early detection efforts.
Dr. Ugo emphasized the importance of raising public understanding of prostate cancer and highlighted ongoing projects designed to support early diagnosis.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with Bayer Pharmaceuticals AG, is set to launch healthcare services in selected communities in the Greater Accra Region.
Dr. Ugo revealed that eight health facilities have been equipped with PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing devices, and lab technicians have been trained to ensure accurate testing.
"Our goal is to promote early detection and raise awareness through education, communication, and public sensibilization," Dr. Ugo said.
"This collaboration between GIZ, the Ghanaian government, and private sector partners reflects our commitment to strengthening Ghana's health system."
The project is expected to usher in a new era of improved prostate cancer management and increase public and professional understanding of the disease’s risks.
Dr. Kuma Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has stressed the need for men in Ghana to prioritize their prostate health, citing alarming statistics and outlining key interventions to tackle prostate cancer at a national level.
Dr. Aboagye emphasized that prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in the country, with one in three men aged 40 and above at risk.
"Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Ghana. The statistics are grim, and we must address this challenge with concerted national and subnational efforts," Dr. Aboagye stated.
In 2022, Ghana recorded approximately 27,000 new cancer cases, with prostate cancer accounting for 2,095 of those cases, representing 21% of all male cancers.
Dr. Aboagye emphasized the importance of early detection in reducing mortality rates, stating that early diagnosis increases survival chances by up to 99%.
"Unfortunately, access to prostate cancer services has historically been limited to tertiary and secondary healthcare levels. Diagnosis typically involves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies," Dr. Aboagye explained.
"However, we are now shifting the focus towards prevention and early detection, with efforts being made to enhance access to these services at the primary healthcare level."
Dr. Aboagye highlighted several recent interventions aimed at improving prostate cancer management across the country.
The National Health and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Policy has been revised to prioritize prostate cancer awareness and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
In addition, new guidelines have been developed to standardize prostate cancer care nationwide.
He also noted that primary healthcare facilities have been repurposed to focus on awareness creation, sensitization, and early detection.
Secondary-level facilities are being upgraded to complement tertiary hospitals in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.
"Recognizing the importance of access to care, we are elevating district hospitals to provide secondary care in areas where men are far from tertiary facilities," Dr. Aboagye said.
"This will bring more advanced services closer to the people."
Dr. Aboagye also mentioned that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has introduced wellness clinics that focus on preventive healthcare, including regular screenings for conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
He expressed hope that these clinics would soon include prostate cancer screening as part of their services.
"So far, there are around 600 active wellness clinics across the country. While not all of them offer the same services, we are committed to providing basic health checks like blood pressure, sugar, and BMI. Moving forward, we aim to include PSA assessments as part of the package."
He concluded by urging men to take responsibility for their prostate health and seek regular screening, particularly PSA testing, which could significantly improve early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
"Early detection saves lives. We must all take prostate health seriously, and with the measures being put in place, we can ensure better clinical outcomes for men across the country," Dr. Aboagye remarked.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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