Colorectal Cancer: A Major Health Concern in Ghana – Insights from Prof. Dakubo

Approximately 2,000 Ghanaians die from colorectal cancer each year, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases reported annually. Professor Jonathan Dakubo from the University of Ghana Medical School emphasized the preventable nature of the disease and outlined key risk factors including poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse. The World Health Organization ranks colorectal cancer as a leading cause of cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide.

Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished professor of surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, reported that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians succumb to colorectal cancer each year. In a recent interview on Joy News, he revealed that Ghana witnesses between 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of this disease annually, emphasizing the unacceptable loss of life given its preventable and treatable nature.

In elaborating on the statistics, Professor Dakubo illustrated the significant impact of this illness by stating, “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 prominent risk factors contributing to colorectal cancer, including poor dietary choices, a lack of physical activity, and substance abuse. He stated, “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.”

Additionally, he noted the role of hereditary predispositions and environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure and mining activities, which adversely affect the microbial flora of the colon over time. He urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate these risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, comprising approximately 10% of all cancer cases. It is also recognized as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly affecting individuals aged 50 and older.

In summary, Professor Jonathan Dakubo has highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding colorectal cancer in Ghana, wherein nearly 2,000 lives are lost annually due to this largely preventable disease. By addressing key risk factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and substance abuse, and promoting healthier lifestyles, there is potential to significantly reduce the prevalence and impact of colorectal cancer in the country. Furthermore, the statistics from the WHO underscore the global significance of this health issue, emphasizing the need for continual awareness and preventive measures.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com