By Ruth Serwaa Asare
Prostate cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in Ghana, yet many still delay seeking medical attention due to stigma, fear, and misconceptions. Health experts at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) are warning that some men wrongly believe prostate cancer is a spiritual condition, leading them to seek unorthodox remedies rather than life-saving medical care.
Speaking on GBC’s Breakfast Show as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Head of the Urology Department at UGMC, Dr. Mary Monney Bortey, noted that late detection remains a major challenge in Ghana.
“Prostate cancer is very common in our environment, and we are seeing increasing cases across the country,” Dr. Bortey explained. “Unfortunately, many men report to the hospital only at the late stages when the disease has already spread. At that point, mortality is over 50 percent. But when picked up early, the chances of cure are very high. That’s why awareness and early screening are so critical.”
Her colleague, Dr. Dennis Achio, a medical officer at UGMC’s Urology Department, expressed concern that myths surrounding prostate cancer continue to discourage men from seeking timely help. “Some men believe prostate cancer is spiritual,” Dr. Achio revealed. “They go to herbalists or spiritualists first instead of hospitals. By the time they eventually come to us, the disease is far advanced, and curative treatment is no longer possible. This mindset is costing lives.”
The doctors explained that while lifestyle choices such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise contribute to rising cases, genetics also play a significant role. Men of African descent and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at particularly higher risk.
Another barrier, they noted, is discomfort and fear surrounding the digital rectal examination, which is part of the screening process. Dr. Achio reassured men that the test is safe. “The rectal exam is not painful—only slightly uncomfortable,” he said. “It’s one of the easiest ways to detect suspicious changes in the prostate before the disease spreads.”
Dr. Bortey added that awareness must focus on changing perceptions and encouraging regular checkups. “We need to shift the narrative. Screening should be seen as a routine men’s wellness check,” she advised. “If you are 40 and above, especially with a family history, you should be screened. Early detection saves lives.”
As Ghana marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September, UGMC’s urologists are urging men to set aside fears and myths, take their health seriously, and undergo screening. “Prostate cancer is not spiritual,” Dr. Bortey stressed. “It is a medical condition, and when detected early, it can be treated successfully.”
