October 2, 2024, for the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Health with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and Bayer Pharmaceuticals, aimed to address the growing challenge of prostate cancer in Ghana.

In her address, Adelaide Ntim, the Deputy Minister for Health, emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling the silent burden of prostate cancer in the country.

‘In Ghana, prostate cancer is one of the top two reported cancers in men, affecting thousands of our fathers, brothers, and sons. Despite being preventable and treatable, many cases go undiagnosed until they have reached advanced stages,’ she said.

The Deputy Minister called for a multisectoral approach to improve early detection, awareness, and treatment across the country.

Highlighting the global context, she noted that 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer were recorded worldwide in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer globally.

In Ghana, prostate cancer accounts for 21% of all male cancers, with an alarming 2,395 new cases recorded last year alone.