Professor Jonathan Dakubo disclosed that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians die from colorectal cancer each year, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The preventable nature of the disease underscores the urgency for healthier lifestyles. Risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, substance abuse, and hereditary issues. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, primarily affecting older individuals.
Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished surgeon at the University of Ghana Medical School, recently revealed that nearly 2,000 individuals in Ghana succumb to colorectal cancer each year. Furthermore, Ghana registers between 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of this disease annually. He emphasized that the preventable and treatable nature of colorectal cancer renders each loss of life unacceptable.
In an interview broadcast on Joy News and reported by GhanaWeb on March 31, 2025, Professor Dakubo highlighted the significant impact of colorectal cancer on the community. He compared it to his home village, where a population of 300 exemplifies the staggering loss: “five times the population of my village is lost to this cancer” annually.
The professor pointed out several significant risk factors contributing to the prevalence of the disease, including poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and substance abuse. He stated, “The first risk factor is diet, the food that we eat, the second one is our exercise levels. The third one is abuse of substances, alcohol, tobacco, opioids.”
Additionally, he addressed hereditary cancers as another risk factor, noting the influence of environmental elements, such as pesticides and mining activities, which may alter the microbial flora in the colon over time. To combat these risks, he urged Ghanaians to embrace healthier lifestyles.
Globally, colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer, accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, particularly affecting individuals over the age of 50, with a majority of cases occurring in that demographic.
In summary, the alarming statistics shared by Professor Jonathan Dakubo highlight the urgent need for awareness and lifestyle changes among Ghanaians to combat colorectal cancer. With nearly 2,000 deaths annually and thousands of new cases, it is crucial to address dietary habits, physical activity levels, and substance abuse. By promoting healthier lifestyles, Ghana can potentially reduce the impact of this disease.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
