Ghana Health Service Launches Campaign Addressing Male Cancers
The Ghana Health Service has initiated a three-year campaign targeting liver and prostate cancers, which are the most deadly cancers in men. New cancer cases in the Ashanti Region have increased significantly, with a call for enhanced focus on men’s health. The campaign will promote awareness, early detection, and a patient-centered approach to care, receiving positive feedback from the public.
The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has launched a three-year initiative focusing on liver and prostate cancers, which are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men. In 2023, new cancer cases in the region surged to 11,783 from 8,764 in 2022, with projections reaching 12,817 in 2024. Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, the Regional Director of Health, highlighted that 3,200 new prostate cancer cases were recorded from 2022 to 2024, significantly outweighing breast and cervical cancer cases during the same period.
Dr. Boateng emphasized the severe impact of liver cancer on men, where mortality rates for diagnosed patients can be as high as 90%. According to Globocan Statistics, Ghana recorded 2,393 new prostate cancer diagnoses in 2022, with 1,233 fatalities, resulting in a 52% mortality rate. Moreover, 2,656 new cases of liver cancer were documented, causing 2,390 deaths.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Dr. Boateng stated, “The Ghana Health Service, in line with the World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique’, is joining the global movement, calling for greater emphasis to address prostate and liver cancers in men in Ghana, particularly within the Ashanti Region.” He voiced concerns that these cancer types have not been sufficiently highlighted despite being critical health threats.
Advocating for a patient-centered approach, Dr. Boateng insisted on understanding the individual circumstances of cancer patients. He argued that each cancer diagnosis is associated with personal stories of resilience and struggle, which necessitate a compassionate approach to care that promotes better health outcomes.
The campaign aims to raise awareness, promote behavioral changes, and enhance early detection initiatives. It will also seek to address gaps in patient support systems to ensure equitable access to care.
Public reception has been positive, with men expressing relief over the increased focus on male cancers. Many recalled that discussions about cancer primarily emphasize breast and cervical types. A local driver, Akwasi Nti, mentioned, “It’s good they are giving some attention to cancers affecting men.”
Additionally, men suggested that the health service provide screening services closer to their workplaces to avoid long queues in hospitals. A taxi driver, Kwaku Mensa, articulated this need by saying, “What we don’t want is for anyone to refer us to any big hospital where we will go follow long queues and waste the whole day there to get screened.”
In Ghana, cancers are a significant public health concern, particularly prostate and liver cancers, which disproportionately affect men. The Ashanti region has shown alarming statistics regarding the rise in new cancer diagnoses, prompting the Ghana Health Service to act. This campaign not only aims to raise awareness about men’s health but also seeks to integrate a human-centered approach in treating cancer patients, highlighting the necessity for empathy and tailored support for better health outcomes.
The initiative by the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service marks a critical step towards addressing the rising rates of prostate and liver cancers among men. By focusing on awareness, early detection, and patient-centered care, the campaign aims to change the narrative surrounding male cancers in Ghana. The positive response from the public illustrates the need for more inclusive advocacy that encompasses all cancer types, particularly those affecting men.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
