By Nasratu Kargbo
Physician Len Gordon-Harris of Cancer UK Salone Charity says recorded cancer deaths in Sierra Leone as per the GLOBOCAN’s data for 2020 amounted 3,389. Of that number 2,000 were women, whilst 1,389 were men.
Dr. Gordon-Harris gave the figures at a press conference in Freetown held by the Masonic District Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia during receipt of donation towards Prostate Cancer, on 16 August.
He said that the data suggested a low cancer survival pattern in Sierra Leone. Highlighting factors for the low survival rate, the doctor mentioned inadequate screening, services for early detection, and difficulties in accessing health care services locally, low economic and educational level. He also mentioned inadequate number of health professionals, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and unavailable treatment options as other factors.
Also referencing Global Cancer Data (GLOBOCAN) 2020, Dr. Gordon-Harris Sierra Leone had approximately (4,708) four thousand seven hundred and eight cancer cases of which (1,836) one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six are men whilst two thousand eight hundred and seventy-six are women.
Dr. Gordon-Harris said that prostate cancer is more prevalent amongst men of Colour as compared to their Caucasian counterparts.
“Globally, one in eight men gets diagnosed with prostate cancer and amongst these, one in four black men are at risk of developing the disease”, he said.
He explained that whilst they advise white men in their 50s to get tested, black men in their 40s should do likewise. He said some men in Sierra Leone die of the disease without knowing, adding that it is mostly detected during autopsy.
Gordon-Harris said that the disease affects males, but noted that it is not entirely a male problem, stating that when a husband has the disease it affects the wife, children, and other family members.
He advised that the earlier the disease is detected the better it is for the individual and encouraged men in their forties and above to get tested, stating that the test is not difficult.
Highlighting the impact the donation given to his institution by the District Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia will make in their institution, he explained that they will be launching their Prostate Cancer SL where they will ensure that people are educated on the disease, how to combat it and where to go for diagnosis and treatment.
The District Lodge of Sierra Leone and the Gambia donated a sum of fifty thousand new Leones to Cancer UK-Salone as part of their charity work to humanity.
According to Medical News Today “Prostate Cancer is a common type of cancer in males, but it is highly treatable in early stages. It begins in the prostate gland which sits between the penis and the bladder. Experts do not know what causes it but the risk increases with age”.
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