Colorectal Cancer in Ghana: Nearly 2,000 Annual Deaths and Preventable Risks

Close to 2,000 Ghanaians die annually from colorectal cancer, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases each year, according to Professor Jonathan Dakubo. He emphasized that these deaths are preventable, pointing out risk factors like poor diet and substance abuse. Urging lifestyle changes can help mitigate the disease’s impact in Ghana.

Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished surgical expert at the University of Ghana Medical School, revealed that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians succumb to colorectal cancer each year. In a recent interview broadcasted on Joy News, he mentioned that Ghana records approximately 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of this malady annually.

Professor Dakubo emphasized the treatable and preventable nature of colorectal cancer, deeming each loss of life due to it unacceptable. He poignantly stated, “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 various significant risk factors contributing to this cancer, such as poor dietary habits, insufficient 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…”. He also attributed hereditary factors and environmental issues like pesticide exposure and mining activities to increased risks.

In light of these findings, Professor Dakubo strongly encouraged Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate the disease’s impact. Particularly alarming is the global statistic from the World Health Organization (WHO), which classifies colorectal cancer as the third most prevalent cancer, making up roughly 10% of all cancer cases.

Colorectal cancer poses a significant health risk in Ghana, claiming nearly 2,000 lives annually and presenting 3,000 to 4,000 new cases each year. Professor Jonathan Dakubo highlighted the disease’s preventable nature and urged the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices to combat it. Focus on diet, exercise, and the avoidance of substance abuse emerged as crucial factors in reducing the incidence of this cancer.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com