Public urged to engage in regular health check for early detection of cancer

The Ghana Health Directorate in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region has urged the public to engage in regular health checks to facilitate early detection of cancers, as part of efforts to improve prevention, treatment, and survival rates.

Madam Margaret Dovlo, the Keta Municipal Public Health Promotion Officer, told the Ghana News Agency that cancer is a group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of adjacent tissues, and potential spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

She explained that some actions, which include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, high Body Mass Index (BMI), physical inactivity, and infections such as HPV and hepatitis B, were some of the main causes of cancer.

“Anyone can develop cancer, but certain factors increase the risk, including age, family history, tobacco use, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and exposure to radiation or carcinogens,” she said.

She stated that the main effects of cancer were tumor growth and spread, pain and discomfort, fatigue and weakness, weight loss and malnutrition, and emotional and psychological distress, among others.

She noted that cancer has been identified as one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million of deaths, but could be cured if detected early and treated effectively.

“The best method to prevent cancer is through early screening and detection for treatment, that is why it is important for each and every individual to at least get screened one every two or three months to know their status.”

Madam Dovlo said that the most common types of cancer in Ghana were breast cancer, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer (non-melanoma) and to prevent cancer, individuals must avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy body weight, eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, engage in regular physical activity, and get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.

She urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and utilise available screening services at various health centres to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, adding that, “this year’s world cancer day is to once again create awareness and educate the public about cause, effects, symptoms, prevent among others.”

She said the ‘World Cancer Day’ initiative focused on supporting patients and survivors through counseling and rehabilitation services, while government officials have pledged increased funding for cancer research, equipment, and training of healthcare professionals in the country.

Research by the GNA also revealed that prostate cancer was the most common male cancer in the country, with 200 out of every 100,000 men suffering from the disease, while cervical cancer was the second most common cancer in females, with 2,797 women diagnosed and 1,699 deaths annually.

This year’s ‘World Cancer Day’, celebrated on February 04, was on the theme, “Closing the cancer care gap: Community action for prevention and early detection in Ghana.”

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