Professor Mathew Yamoah Kyei Urges Ghanaian Men Over 40 to Prioritize Prostate Cancer Screening

Professor Mathew Yamoah Kyei, a prominent Consultant Urologist, has issued a formal call for Ghanaian men aged 40 and above to incorporate regular prostate cancer screenings into their annual health routines. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Accra, Prof. Kyei emphasized that early detection remains the most effective strategy for reducing mortality rates associated with the disease. He noted with concern that a significant number of men in Ghana delay seeking medical consultation until the cancer has reached an advanced stage, which severely complicates treatment options and reduces the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Statistical data provided during the launch highlights a troubling trend in the national fight against the disease. According to Prof. Kyei, the median age for a prostate cancer diagnosis in Ghana is currently 68, with the highest incidence of cases occurring among men between the ages of 60 and 69. While general awareness of the condition is remarkably high—with approximately 87% of men being informed about the disease—there remains a stark disparity between knowledge and action. Only 22% of men have ever undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is the standard blood screening tool used to detect early biological markers of the cancer.

To bridge this "screening gap," Prof. Kyei advocated for the mandatory inclusion of PSA tests in annual health check-ups for all men over the age of 40. Beyond individual responsibility, he called for systemic improvements to Ghana's healthcare infrastructure, including enhanced access to screening and specialized treatment options across all regions. The urologist specifically highlighted the need for stronger health insurance support to alleviate the financial burden on patients, suggesting that medical approaches and insurance policies must be innovated to reflect the specific socio-economic realities of the Ghanaian population.

The launch of the 2026 awareness month serves as a critical reminder that prostate cancer is manageable if caught in its infancy. Prof. Kyei urged men not to wait for physical symptoms to appear before consulting a healthcare professional, as early-stage prostate cancer often presents without obvious warning signs. By moving from passive awareness to active clinical prevention, the medical community aims to significantly lower the death toll and ensure that more Ghanaian men can access life-saving interventions before the disease progresses to an untreatable state.