The Ministry of Information has donated a cash amount of GH¢10,000 to the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to assist in the treatment of men suffering from prostate cancer.
The donation forms part of the Ministry’s support to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and provide financial relief for patients who cannot afford the high cost of treatment.
The Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Manager at the Ministry, Madam Alice Zu, who presented the donation on behalf of the Minister for Information, Honourable Fatimatu Abubakar highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, particularly among men aged 40 and above.
“Prostate cancer is affecting a large number of men aged 40 and above, with some even dying from the disease. We hope this donation will help alleviate the financial burden for those who cannot afford treatment,” Madam Zu said.
She further explained that the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was chosen due to its advanced oncology facilities and specialized doctors who are equipped to manage the disease.
Madam Zu also used the occasion to urge men, especially those over 40, to prioritize regular prostate cancer screenings, stressing that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
The Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Deputy Director at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Professor Verna Vanderpuye, who received the donation expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for their kind gesture.
She described prostate cancer as a growing concern, revealing that it is increasingly affecting men under 40, a trend that she found alarming.
“The gesture from the Ministry will go a long way to improve the quality of life for many prostate cancer patients,” Prof. Vanderpuye said, urging more corporate bodies to follow the Ministry’s example in supporting prostate cancer awareness and treatment efforts.
This donation would not only contribute to raising awareness but also enhance treatment efforts at Korle-Bu, a hospital recognized for its vital role in treating prostate cancer in Ghana.
The Ministry also organised a talk to educate staff on Prostate Cancer.
SOURCE: MOI (PR Unit)
