Urologists at the West Africa College of Surgeons, Dr. Awuku Asare and Dr. Bright Wereh at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have educated men on prostate cancer awareness.

They shared insight into what prostate cancer is, the risks involved and the measures to control it.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show, Dr. Awuku Asare elaborated that prostate cancer can be inherited from families that have a history of cancer.

“In some families, there are men who have had prostate cancer, not only men but women who have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or any other cancers, so the germ line in that cell is inherited by the men and this will increase their chances of getting cancer of the prostate,” Dr. Asare said.

The doctor also explained that individuals who are obese are at a higher risk of prostate cancer and as well as people who consume too much fatty foods.

Dr. Wereh said according to research, men of the black race, mostly in Africa tend to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and the more aggressive form of it as compared to men in the Western world.

According to statistics done by researchers, 6 percent of Ghanaian men have the cancer, and 80 percent of individuals who show up have it at the last stage of the disease.

The doctors said that prostate cancer at its early stage with treatment can be cured, however, when the disease spreads, it becomes challenging to cure.

They advised that men above 40 years should be screened regularly - especially those with a family history of cancer.

Both doctors assured that testing "Digital Erectile Examination" is not a procedure to be worried about since it does not involve so much discomfort.

They disclosed symptoms such as frequent early urination at dawn, passing urine frequently during the day, strain in urination, blood in urine, and low back pain which occurs at the late stage.

The Urologists also said that most men, because of the connection between erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer, find it difficult to get tested since they enjoy sex.

“Because of the nature of enjoyment of sex, most men find it very difficult to proceed or further do anything that has the little or remotest possibilities of affecting their erections,” Dr. Bright Wereh said.

The doctors advised that men should be aware of prostate cancer and seek early medical examination, adding that they should monitor the way they urinate in terms of changes and frequent visitation to the washroom, straining, among others.