The Secretary of the Cancer Support Network Foundation, Blaise Ackom, has cautioned men against ignoring their prostate health, warning that prostate cancer, particularly when it progresses, can affect sexual function and lead to erectile dysfunction.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Ackom explained that prostate cancer may develop over a long period before symptoms become noticeable, stressing the need for men to take their prostate health seriously as they age.
He said the risk of prostate cancer increases with age and is more commonly seen among men aged 50 years and above.
According to him, the fact that symptoms may not be immediately noticeable does not necessarily mean the disease is absent.
He explained that some men only seek medical attention after they begin experiencing symptoms, by which time the cancer may have progressed.
Mr Ackom said one of the complications that may occur as prostate cancer progresses is erectile dysfunction.
“Erectile dysfunction, you can erect, but you can’t maintain. You can’t maintain the erection,” he said.
Lifestyle and family history
Mr Ackom also cautioned men to pay attention to lifestyle factors that could affect their health.
He raised concerns about exposure to cigarette smoke, including passive smoking, explaining that people who do not smoke may still be exposed to harmful substances when they are around smokers.
He also expressed concern about the growing popularity of shisha smoking, particularly among young people.
According to him, cigarettes contain carcinogenic chemicals that can damage the DNA of cells and contribute to abnormal cell growth.
He therefore urged young people to be cautious about their smoking habits and avoid regular exposure to harmful smoke.
Mr Ackom further identified diet as another factor that should not be overlooked, advising people to be mindful of excessive consumption of junk and highly processed foods.
He also urged men with a family history of prostate cancer to take their prostate health seriously because of their increased risk.
Prostate cancer not the only prostate condition
Mr Ackom cautioned against assuming that every prostate-related condition is cancer.
He explained that the prostate can be affected by different conditions, including prostatitis, which is inflammation or infection of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly referred to as prostate enlargement.
He stressed that prostate enlargement is different from prostate cancer and prostatitis, with each condition requiring appropriate management.
He noted that prostate enlargement can occur as men age and does not automatically mean that a person has prostate cancer.
Call for greater awareness
As part of activities marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Ackom encouraged men, particularly those advancing in age, to pay closer attention to their prostate health.
He cautioned men against waiting until symptoms become severe before seeking medical attention, stressing the importance of taking prostate-related concerns seriously.
He said greater awareness of the condition, its risk factors and the different prostate-related conditions could help men make informed decisions about their health.
Mr Ackom urged men to seek appropriate medical assessment when they have concerns about their prostate health rather than assuming that symptoms are simply a normal part of ageing.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
