Accra: Ghanaian men have been urged to undergo regular prostate examinations as health experts warn that prostate cancer can remain undetected for years before symptoms begin to appear. Dr Yaw Amoah of the Urology Department at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital emphasized that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, stressing that men should not wait until they experience symptoms before seeking medical attention. His remarks were made during a free prostate screening exercise for transport operators at the Circle Lorry Station in Accra, organized by ASA Savings and Loans.
According to Ghana Web, the prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that produces fluid which forms part of semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate grow abnormally and uncontrollably. While some cases progress slowly, others can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. One of the major challenges with prostate cancer is that it can have no symptoms in its early stages. A man may therefore have the disease for years without knowing. Dr Amoah noted that some patients only report to hospitals when the cancer has advanced, making treatment more difficult.
Symptoms of prostate cancer, although absent in the early stages, can develop as the disease progresses. These include difficulty passing urine, straining to urinate, inability to urinate, and blood in the urine. In advanced cases, the cancer can spread and cause serious complications, including paralysis. Dr Amoah cautioned men against waiting for such symptoms before getting checked.
Age is one of the major risk factors for prostate cancer, with the risk increasing as men grow older. African ancestry is also considered an important risk factor, with prostate cancer tending to occur more aggressively among black men. Family history is another concern, as men whose fathers or close relatives have had prostate cancer face a higher risk of developing the disease. Dr Amoah stated that while the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, these risk factors make it particularly important for Ghanaian men to pay attention to their prostate health.
Men are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening with qualified healthcare professionals, especially as they grow older or if they have a family history of the disease. Screening can help identify the disease before symptoms appear, giving doctors a better opportunity to treat it effectively. The appropriate screening method and timing may vary depending on a man's age, family history, and other risk factors, so men should seek professional medical advice.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to educate men about the disease and encourage early detection. Health professionals emphasize that men should not wait for urinary problems or other symptoms before checking their prostate. Early detection can make the difference between a disease that can be treated successfully and one that has already become difficult to control.