Cost of Prostate Cancer Treatment hits Ghc4,000 a Month - Dr Henry Atawurah
The Chief Executive Officer of Madamfo Hospital Dr. Henry Atawurah, has urged men aged 50 years and above to undergo prostate examinations every year to help detect prostate cancer early.
Speaking in an interview on Kyzz FM, he said men should not wait until they begin experiencing symptoms before getting tested, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment.
He cited studies by the Ghana Association of Urological Surgeons, which he said indicate a high incidence of prostate cancer in Ghana.
According to him, the incidence rate is estimated at about 60 per cent for men between 70 and 80 years, but falls to approximately 30 per cent among men between 50 and 70 years.
He added that specific studies focusing on the Western and Western North Regions are ongoing and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The CEO also raised concerns about the financial burden associated with prostate cancer treatment, saying that, in his view, prostate cancer treatment does not adequately fall under health insurance coverage.
He therefore called for greater attention to the cost of diagnosis and treatment to ensure that men who are diagnosed with the disease are not prevented from accessing care because of financial difficulties.
However, Ghana's National Health Insurance Authority announced in December 2022 that prostate cancer treatment and medication would be added to the NHIS benefits package from 2023. Parliament has subsequently stated that the inclusion commenced in 2023.
This makes it important for the relevant health authorities to clarify exactly which aspects of prostate cancer care—including diagnosis, medicines, surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments—are currently covered by NHIS and which require out-of-pocket payment.
Dr. Henry Atawurah, the Madamfo Hospital CEO's comments therefore highlight two key issues: the need for regular prostate screening among older men and the need to ensure that men diagnosed with prostate cancer can access treatment without being overwhelmed by healthcare costs.