Ghanaian Men Urged to Check Prostate Regularly as Cancer Can Remain Hidden for Years
Ghanaian men are encouraged to get regular prostate examinations, as health professionals caution that prostate cancer can go unnoticed for years before any symptoms arise.
Dr. Yaw Amoah from the Urology Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital emphasizes that early detection greatly enhances the possibility of effective treatment. He highlighted the importance of not waiting for symptoms to appear before seeking medical advice.
His comments came during a complimentary prostate screening event organized by ASA Savings and Loans for transport operators at the Circle Lorry Station in Accra on September 9, 2026.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate, a small gland roughly the size of a walnut that plays a role in producing semen. The condition arises when prostate cells begin to grow uncontrollably. While some forms of prostate cancer can be slow-growing, others may rapidly advance and spread to other parts of the body.
Why is early detection important?
One of the significant issues with prostate cancer is its lack of early symptoms. Men can have the disease for years without being aware of it. Dr. Amoah pointed out that many patients only seek help once the cancer has progressed, making treatment much more challenging.
What are the symptoms?
Early-stage prostate cancer often does not present any symptoms, but as it develops, signs may start to emerge. These can include difficulty urinating, straining during urination, inability to urinate, and blood in the urine. In advanced stages, the cancer may cause severe complications such as paralysis.
Consequently, Dr. Amoah cautioned men not to wait for these symptoms to appear before getting checked.
Who is at risk?
Age is a primary risk factor for prostate cancer, with the likelihood increasing as men age. Additionally, African ancestry plays a significant role, as the disease tends to be more aggressive in black men. A family history of prostate cancer also raises the risk, particularly for those whose fathers or close relatives have been affected.
Dr. Amoah acknowledged that while the precise cause of prostate cancer remains unclear, these factors underscore the necessity for Ghanaian men to monitor their prostate health closely.
How can men detect it early?
Men are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening with qualified healthcare professionals, particularly 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.
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Why awareness is important
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to educate men about the disease and encourage early detection.
The central message from health professionals is 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.
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