Ghanaians are being urged to prioritize early screening tests for cancer, with the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service joining the global community to celebrate World Cancer Day.
This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in combating cancer.
The Ghana Health Service is particularly focused on cancers affecting men, such as prostate and liver cancer, which are leading causes of death in the country. Alarming statistics reveal that in 2022, Ghana recorded 27,385 new cancer cases, with 17,944 deaths, and 63,764 individuals surviving cancer over a five-year period.
In the Ashanti Region, cancer cases are rising, with 8,764 cases recorded in 2022, increasing to 11,753 in 2023, and 16,025 cases in 2024. To combat this trend, health authorities recommend lifestyle modifications, such as:
– Eating healthy diets
– *Engaging in regular physical exercise* to maintain a normal body weight
– *Consulting a doctor for early detection of prostate cancer* for men above 50 years
For those diagnosed with cancer, health authorities advise:
– *Regular medical check-ups*
– *Eating healthy diets*
– *Exercising regularly*
– *Not stopping medication*
Organizations like Marie Stopes Ghana offer cervical cancer screening and treatment services, highlighting the importance of early detection ¹. With cancer cases on the rise, it’s essential for Ghanaians to prioritize their health and seek early screening tests.
Source:Ayisah Foster|| The Punch Newspaper
