The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has launched a month-long prostate cancer awareness campaign aimed at encouraging men to prioritise regular health checks, seek medical attention early and overcome barriers that prevent many patients from accessing quality cancer care.
The campaign, led by the hospital’s Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence (UNCoE), seeks to increase public awareness, promote early detection and improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer in Ghana.
Hospital Plans Robotic Surgery System
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive of Korle Bu, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, said the hospital has a responsibility not only to provide treatment but also to educate the public and strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to cancer.
He said the hospital remains committed to training more specialists to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
Dr Adam also disclosed that management is planning to procure a robotic surgical system in 2027, which he said would help advance surgical care and improve patient outcomes.
Call for Early Screening
The Head of UNCoE, Prof. J. E. Mensah, urged men to take their prostate health seriously, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer.
He called for improved access to screening, diagnosis and specialist treatment, as well as increased investment in cancer research.
Prof. Mensah also appealed to stakeholders to explore ways of reducing the financial burden associated with cancer treatment, noting that the cost of care can pose a significant challenge for patients and their families.
Men Urged to Make Checks Annual
The keynote speaker, Prof. M. Y. Kyei, encouraged men to make prostate health checks part of their annual medical examinations instead of waiting until symptoms develop.
He stressed the importance of early detection and urged men to combine regular medical examinations with healthy lifestyles and regular physical exercise.
Private Sector Reaffirms Support
The Managing Director of Provident Insurance Company Limited, Kenneth Doe, reaffirmed the company’s continued support for UNCoE’s prostate cancer awareness initiatives.
He said the partnership goes beyond sponsorship and reflects a shared commitment to increasing awareness and improving access to prostate cancer care.
Survivors Share Their Stories
The launch also provided an opportunity for prostate cancer survivors to share their experiences through a video presentation titled “Voices of Hope.”
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, while organisers outlined a series of activities planned throughout September to sustain public awareness of prostate cancer.
In his closing remarks, Dr Adam thanked sponsors, media organisations, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders for supporting the campaign.
He encouraged more corporate organisations to invest in prostate cancer programmes and stressed the importance of equipping young doctors with the skills required to perform advanced surgical procedures.
The launch ended with the symbolic release of blue balloons, marking the beginning of the month-long campaign aimed at encouraging more men across Ghana to prioritise their prostate health, detect cancer early and seek timely and quality care.
