Colorectal Cancer: A Critical Health Concern for Ghana

Professor Jonathan Dakubo reported that close to 2,000 Ghanaians die from colorectal cancer each year, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases diagnosed annually. He advocates for lifestyle changes to mitigate risk factors such as diet and substance abuse. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, primarily affecting older individuals.

Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished surgeon at the University of Ghana Medical School, reported that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians succumb to colorectal cancer each year. In an interview on Joy News, he revealed that Ghana witnesses between 3,000 and 4,000 new colorectal cancer cases annually. He emphasized that every death due to this preventable and treatable condition is unacceptable.

To illustrate the impact, Professor Dakubo stated, “In Ghana, we see about 3,000 to 4,000 new cases every year. And about 1500, 2000 people in this country die every year. To put in perspective, the village I come from, our population is about 300. So, it means every year five times the population of my village is lost to this cancer.”

The professor identified several significant risk factors for colorectal cancer, including unhealthy diets, inadequate physical activity, and substance abuse. He remarked, “The first risk factor is diet, the food that we eat, the second one is our exercise levels. The third one is abuse of substances, alcohol, tobacco, opioids.”

He also warned about hereditary cancers and environmental risks, mentioning that pesticides and chemicals from mining activities can alter the colon’s microbial flora over time. He urged the Ghanaian populace to enhance their lifestyles to mitigate the disease’s impact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, constituting about 10% of all cancer diagnoses. Moreover, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide, primarily affecting individuals aged 50 and older.

In conclusion, the alarming statistics presented by Professor Jonathan Dakubo highlight a critical public health issue in Ghana regarding colorectal cancer. With almost 2,000 deaths annually and thousands of new cases, the need for increased awareness and lifestyle changes is paramount. Emphasizing the importance of diet, physical activity, and avoiding substance abuse will be essential in combatting this preventable disease effectively.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com