Johnson& Johnson, a multinational corporation that produces medical devices and pharmaceuticals across the globe in collaboration with the Ghana National Association of Teachers’ (GNAT) Cancer Foundation, has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on prostate cancer at Fiesta Royal in Accra.

The launch on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, was attended by people from varied backgrounds including police officers, traditionalists and health experts drawn from selected health facilities in Accra.

The objective of the partnership is to embark on a vigorous campaign to educate men on Prostate cancer prevention and treatment. It also seeks to develop a sustainable plan that is geared towards wider coverage and also to bring more partners on board.

As part of the launch, a free prostate cancer screening was organized to screen participants.

Speaking at the launch, Key Account Manager of Oncology at Johnson & Johnson in Ghana, Nana Kwame Frimpong, commended the management of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for setting up a Cancer Fund, designed to provide support to its members facing the challenges of cancer.

He said it is a remarkable initiative that must be emulated by other unions, adding that the move demonstrates GNAT’s commitment towards cancer care, which is not just about treatment, but empathy and advocacy, that make members with cancer feel supported and valued.

He said that the partnership combines innovation, compassion, and commitment to ensure that no Ghanaian faces the battle against prostate cancer alone.

Nana Kwame Frimpong  said prostate cancer remains a major health concern globally and in Ghana, explaining that the burden is not only medical, but also deeply personal, impacting families, communities, and the workforce and the economy as a whole.

He said the mission of Johnson & Johnson is to transform lives and communities through science, innovation, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes and for that partnership, represents a commitment to Ghana and its fight against prostate cancer .

“As we launch this collaboration, let us reaffirm our shared belief that every life matters, that prevention and early detection save lives “Nana Kwame Frimpong noted.

He was of the view that with a collective effort they can set a new benchmark for prostate cancer care in Ghana, gravitating towards building a Ghana where health care gaps are no longer a barrier to living a healthy and dignified life.

He gave an assurance that Johnson &Johnson has an innovative medication for prostate cancer treatment and under such partnerships the company could offer a flexible sales terms to potential buyers.

In 2020, the company collaborated with the Ghana Armed Forces to organize a prostate cancer screening for its personnel  

In a presentation, Senior Urology Specialist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Isaac Asiedu said research has revealed that Prostate cancer is a second leading cause of cancer mortality among men in Ghana.

Dr Asiedu’s presentation which revealed detailed information on dangers of prostate cancer startled the guests as fear was boldly written in their faces.

He noted that epidemiological studies have revealed the prevalence of prostate cancer in Ghana as 200/100.000 compared to other West African countries  such as  Nigeria  127/100.000 and Cameroon 130/100.000.

Dr Asiedu stated that prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the 5th leading cause of cancer mortality in men worldwide.

Dr Asiedu assured them that there are treatment modalities for various stages of prostate cancer available in Ghana, but early diagnosis and treatment are key. He however advised men to have regular screening.

He was worried that many men wait until their condition becomes critical before they report at the hospital.

To ensure the success of the programme, veteran broadcaster Kwaku Sintim Misa (KSM) has been appointed as an ambassador to help disseminate prostate cancer awareness to the masses.

KSM, who is a survivor of prostate cancer advised that men above 40 should subject themselves to a regular screening.