Colorectal Cancer in Ghana: Prof. Dakubo Highlights Alarming Statistics and Risks

Professor Jonathan Dakubo from the University of Ghana Medical School revealed that nearly 2,000 Ghanaians die from colorectal cancer each year, with 3,000 to 4,000 new cases reported annually. He emphasized the preventable nature of the disease and highlighted key risk factors such as poor diets, lack of exercise, and substance abuse. The World Health Organization recognizes colorectal cancer as a leading cause of cancer deaths globally, particularly among older populations.

Professor Jonathan Dakubo, a distinguished surgeon at the University of Ghana Medical School, reported alarming statistics regarding colorectal cancer in Ghana, indicating that nearly 2,000 individuals succumb to this disease annually. Additionally, he elaborated that the nation witnesses between 3,000 and 4,000 new cases each year, emphasizing the preventable and treatable aspects of the illness, and declaring every death as unacceptable.

During an interview aired on Joy News on March 31, 2025, he illustrated the severity of the situation by comparing it to his village’s population of 300. “To put in perspective, the village I come from, our population is about 300. So, it means every year five times the population of my village is lost to this cancer,” he stated.

Professor Dakubo identified several critical risk factors contributing to colorectal cancer, including inadequate diets, insufficient physical activity, and substance abuse. “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,” he noted, further citing hereditary factors and environmental influences from pesticides and mining activities.

He strongly advocated for the adoption of healthier lifestyles among Ghanaians to help mitigate the impact of colorectal cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer globally, comprising about 10% of all cancer cases and being the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, disproportionately affecting those aged 50 and above.

In summary, Professor Jonathan Dakubo’s revelations about colorectal cancer in Ghana underline a critical public health challenge, with thousands affected each year. His identification of dietary habits, physical activity, and substance abuse as significant risk factors calls for immediate action towards healthier lifestyles. Ultimately, increased awareness and proactive health measures could significantly reduce the prevalence of this preventable disease.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com