Early detection key to reducing prostate cancer deaths

Men aged 40 years and above have been urged to undergo regular prostate cancer screening to facilitate early detection and reduce deaths from the disease.

The call follows concerns that many Ghanaian men seek medical attention only after prostate cancer has advanced, making treatment more difficult.

Professor Mathew Yamoah Kyei, Consultant Urologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Head of Surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, made the call at the launch of the 2026 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Accra.

He said available evidence indicated that the median age of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ghana was about 68 years, with the highest incidence recorded among men aged 60 to 69 years.

Prof. Kyei said prostate cancer could develop silently, with patients often experiencing no symptoms during the early stages.

He therefore urged men to include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test in their annual health checks, warning that waiting for symptoms such as difficulty urinating could mean the disease had already progressed.

“Early detection saves lives,” he said, urging men to use September, observed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, to undertake prostate health checks.

He explained that the PSA test, combined with a physical examination of the prostate and, where necessary, imaging and biopsy, could help health professionals detect and confirm the disease.

Prof. Kyei said Ghana had made significant progress in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, with facilities for ultrasound-guided biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scans and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging now available in the country.

Treatment options, he said, included surgery, radiation and other therapies, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

Late diagnosis

Prof. Kyei, however, expressed concern about disparities in access to screening and treatment across the country.

He cited studies showing that in settings where men had better access to assessment, about 73 to 75 per cent of prostate cancer cases were diagnosed as localised disease.

In contrast, he said another study found that about 81 per cent of cases presented at an advanced stage, underscoring the need to improve awareness, screening services and access to skilled health professionals nationwide.

Prof. Kyei said prostate cancer was particularly important to Ghana and other African populations, with African ancestry considered an important risk factor.

He said other factors included family history, smoking, obesity and dietary patterns, although the causes and risk factors were complex.

Low screening uptake

Prof. Kyei said screening uptake remained low despite relatively high levels of awareness about prostate cancer.

He cited a study in which 87 per cent of men reported knowing about prostate cancer, but only 22 per cent had ever undergone a PSA test.

Another study conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital found that although 72 per cent of participants knew about prostate cancer, only about 30 per cent had undergone screening.

Prof. Kyei said the gap between knowledge and action required urgent attention.

“It is not enough to know about it. Let us bring it in so that we can benefit from it,” he said.

Treatment

On treatment, Prof. Kyei urged patients to seek care from experienced and skilled health professionals.

He said Ghanaian clinicians must combine international treatment guidelines with innovative approaches that reflect the country’s economic and social realities.

Prof. Kyei welcomed efforts to introduce robotic surgery into Ghana, saying the technology could enhance urological cancer care.

He, however, emphasised that conventional surgery remained effective when performed by appropriately trained professionals.

He said Ghana now had more than 65 urologists, with resident specialists in several regions, although some areas still required additional specialist coverage.

Prof. Kyei also called for stronger insurance support for prostate cancer treatment, saying financial constraints and limitations in insurance coverage could prevent patients from accessing timely care.

He said the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and other partners were contributing to efforts to improve access to treatment.

Prof. Kyei said the 2026 awareness campaign allowed health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and the public to work together to promote early detection and effective treatment of prostate cancer.

He urged men not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical advice.

“Let us find it early so we can all be around to celebrate a wonderful birthday,” he said.

Source: GNA