Colorectal surgeon at Mwin Tuba Hospital and Colorectal Centre, Professor Jonathan Dakubo, has urged Ghanaians to take colorectal cancer seriously, saying that the disease is common but can be treated when detected early.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show as part of Joy Cancer Awareness Month, Prof. Dakubo explained that colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world but often receives little attention in Ghana.
“Because we have not placed emphasis on this disease, it will appear that it is not common, but it is a common disease worldwide,” he said.
“Colorectal cancers are the third leading cancers, and they also cause a lot of mortality. Every year, we see about 1.8 million new cases globally, and about 900,000 people die from this cancer.”
He revealed that in Ghana, around 4,000 new cases are recorded each year, with half of the patients dying due to late diagnosis and treatment.
“In Ghana we see about 4,000 cases every year, and we’re losing about 2,000 human beings because of this disease,” he stated.
“It is a common disease even in our environment, and we have to do a lot of advocacy and let people know that there are doctors who can treat it very well.”
Explaining how the disease develops, Prof. Dakubo said colorectal cancer often begins as small, non-cancerous growths known as polyps or adenomas.
“The word ‘cancer’ refers to a disease that has become malignant out of control because of mutations in the genes,” he explained.
“Cancers of the large bowel develop after at least five mutations have occurred, and these mutations happen over time. The disease starts as something that is not cancer, but if left untreated, it develops into cancer.”
He added that these polyps are growths that arise from the cells of the bowel lining.
“A polyp or an adenoma is a growth in the lining of the intestine that is not cancer. The cells in the intestine start growing abnormally because of a change in their genetic material. When these changes become permanent, the cells grow uncontrollably into a mass or swelling, which can eventually turn cancerous if not removed.”
Prof. Dakubo stated that this makes colorectal cancer one of the few cancers that can be prevented before it becomes life-threatening.
He outlined several risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, noting that diet is the most significant.
“The first risk factor is our diet, what we eat. In countries like Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United States, the incidence is more than 50 per 100,000 people. In Africa, it’s less than four per 100,000. The difference is just the food we eat.”
He explained that diets high in fibre, such as fresh farm produce, help protect the colon, while processed and preserved foods increase the risk.
“If we eat food that has high fibre, food we take from the farm and do not process, we are protected. But if we take refined foods with little fibre, the incidence goes up,” he cautioned.
Other risk factors he mentioned include infrequent bowel movement, lack of exercise, obesity, consumption of red meat, alcohol abuse, and smoking.
“People who don’t move their bowels frequently are more at risk,” he said. “Those who exercise regularly are more protected. Obesity, too, is a major risk factor.”
He also warned that eating large amounts of red meat, especially when heavily roasted, increases risk compared to eating white meat like fish or chicken.
“If you abuse alcohol, your body loses essential vitamins, which can predispose you to develop cancer,” he added.
“And smoking remains one of the major causes of colorectal and other cancers.”
Prof. Dakubo further revealed that genetics can also play a role.
“About 5% of all colorectal cancers are inherited. Those who are genetically predisposed will almost always develop the disease, but those with lifestyle risk factors can reduce their risk by changing their habits.”
Prof. Dakubo emphasised the need for more public education and screening, saying that early detection can save thousands of lives.
“We need to talk about colorectal cancer and encourage people to check their health. This is one cancer we can catch before it becomes dangerous and prevent it from developing fully.”
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum, parts of the body’s digestive system. It often begins as small growths called polyps, which are not cancerous at first but can become cancer over time if not removed.
Common symptoms include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
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