Taking Action on Prostate Cancer – Men’s Health Challenge
NR Meds • 24 September 2025
Prostate cancer is one of the leading health challenges affecting men worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. It is a condition that begins in the prostate gland, and while it can progress silently, its impact on men’s health, families, and communities is profound.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. When cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, cancer develops. Risk factors include age (men over 50 are at higher risk), family history, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions.
The Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Unfortunately, many men delay screening due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness. Common screening methods such as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams can identify the disease before symptoms become severe.
Recognising the Symptoms
Some early signs may include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
However, prostate cancer can also be asymptomatic in its early stages, making regular screening crucial.
Preventive Lifestyle Measures
Men can lower their risk by adopting healthy habits:
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Reducing red meat and processed foods
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use
Taking Collective Action
Raising awareness of prostate cancer requires both personal responsibility and community support. Healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and families play a vital role in encouraging men to prioritise their health and seek medical advice without delay.
Final Thoughts
Prostate cancer is not a death sentence if addressed early. By speaking openly, encouraging regular check-ups, and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can confront this men’s health challenge with determination.
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As the calendar turns to October, we embark on a fresh quarter with renewed hope, ambition and collective purpose. On this first day of October, it is timely to remind ourselves that health must remain central to all our plans — at the personal level, community level, and national level. In Ghana, the medical supply chain is a critical pillar upon which good outcomes in health rest. Reliable access to quality medical devices, diagnostics, consumables and pharmaceuticals can make the difference between prevention and crisis, between prompt care and avoidable suffering. In recent years, stakeholders in Ghana’s health sector have faced many challenges: stockouts, delays in delivery, logistics bottlenecks, regulatory shifts, supply-chain disruptions, and quality assurance concerns. A well-functioning medical distribution system acts as the bridge that links global innovation and production with local clinical need. It ensures that hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and health facilities across cities and rural areas receive timely, safe and appropriate supplies. This new month, we call on all actors — healthcare professionals, regulators, facility managers, policymakers and citizens — to renew commitment to: Strengthen supply chain resilience Buffer stocks, regional warehousing, robust forecasting and real-time monitoring systems are essential. When data drives procurement and inventory decisions, wastage is reduced, stockouts minimized, and resources optimally used. Enforce quality and compliance standards It is not enough that medical supplies arrive — they must meet regulatory and safety standards. Post-market surveillance, batch traceability protocols, cold chain integrity (for temperature-sensitive products), and supplier audits must be non-negotiable. Improve equitable access The most remote districts, underserved communities, and smaller clinics must not be left behind. Inclusive distribution practices ensure that even the rural health post or outreach clinic can benefit from the same standards of care as urban hospitals. Foster public awareness and rational usage High rates of self-medication or informal procurement of medicines persist in Ghana. (Studies estimate that more than half of Ghanaians have engaged in self-medication at some point.) PMC Educating the public about the dangers of substandard products, counterfeit medicines, and improper use is vital. Promote collaboration across the value chain Manufacturers, international suppliers, regulatory authorities, procurement agencies and local distributors must work in harmony. Partnerships, data sharing and alignment of strategies will expedite timelines, reduce redundancies, and improve accountability. As October begins, let every institution review its systems, audit weak points, re-energize logistics, and reaffirm its commitment to quality healthcare delivery. A month of health consciousness must go beyond rhetoric — it must translate into measurable impact: fewer stockouts, safer medicines, stronger logistics, better health outcomes. Join us in this movement toward strengthened medical supply and health consciousness. Reach out today to explore partnerships, request product information, or discuss supply chain solutions. Together, let us build a healthier Ghana.
