Colorectal Cancer Crisis in Ghana: Expert Highlights Urgent Health Concerns
Professor Jonathan Dakubo revealed that close to 2,000 Ghanaians die annually from colorectal cancer, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases reported each year. He highlighted significant risk factors and called for lifestyle changes to combat this disease, which is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide according to the WHO.
Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished professor of surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, stated that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians succumb to colorectal cancer each year. In an interview with Joy News on March 31, 2025, he revealed that Ghana witnesses approximately 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of this cancer annually, emphasizing the tragedy of lives lost to a preventable and treatable disease.
To illustrate the impact, Professor Dakubo remarked that the annual deaths from colorectal cancer in Ghana exceed the population of his village fivefold, stating, “To put in perspective, the village I come from, our population is about 300.” He highlighted the prevalence of the disease and urged immediate action to combat it.
The professor outlined key risk factors contributing to colorectal cancer, including poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and substance abuse such as alcohol and tobacco. He also noted that hereditary factors and environmental influences, such as pesticides and mining activities, significantly affect the microbial flora in the colon over time, ultimately increasing cancer risk.
In light of these concerns, Professor Dakubo encouraged Ghanaians to pursue healthier lifestyles to mitigate the threat posed by colorectal cancer. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer is identified as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, making up about 10% of global cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death primarily affecting individuals aged 50 and older.
In summary, colorectal cancer presents a significant public health challenge in Ghana, with an alarming number of deaths and new cases each year. Professor Dakubo’s insights underscore the importance of understanding risk factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences. His call for healthier lifestyle choices is timely and necessary to combat this preventable illness effectively.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
