Early detection of cancer best for treatment – Oncologist
Dr Verna Vanderpuye, Consultant Oncologist at the Radiotherapy Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday advised that early detection of cancer is best for its treatment and cure.
She said many patients often report at health facilities when the disease has entered its advanced stage, making treatment very difficult and costly.
Dr Vanderpuye gave the advice in a contribution at a public lecture in Accra, marking the golden jubilee celebration of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
It was on the theme: “50 years of GAEC achievements, challenges and progress,” and the topic for the public lecture was: “The impact of nuclear science in healthcare delivery in Ghana.”
She said cultural beliefs have hindered people from reporting cancerous conditions to the hospital for early diagnosis and treatment, which sometimes leads to terminal conditions.
Dr Vanderpuye noted that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is now taking care of some cancer cases such as breast and prostate.
She urged women to go for mammogram screening which is also covered by the NHIS to ascertain their breast cancer status.
She also encouraged men who are 40 plus to go for prostate cancer screening regularly, declaring that late diagnosis of prostate cancer could lead to castration.
The Health Consultant said anyone who has a blood relation such as a brother or uncle who has been diagnosed of a cancer must also take diagnostic screening seriously since some cancers have genetic basis.
She warned that life styles and eating habits also promote cancers.
Dr Vanderpuye said vaccines had been developed for children against hepatitis B and for young girls against breast cancer.
She said currently, community health nurses are being trained to help in educating people on critical health issues such as cancers as part of advocacy by the health authorities to help save more lives.
Source: GNA