Kath records 1,864 cancer cases within three years

Kumasi, Dec.4, GNA- The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, recorded a total of 1,864 cancer cases between 2004 and 2007. Out of the number, 166 of the affected persons died whilst the rest were treated through medication and palliation.

Dr. Baffour Awuah, Head of the Oncology Directorate of the KATH disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi on Monday. He said half the number of those who died were within the active workforce of the country an attributed the high mortality rate to the fact that most patients failed to report to the hospital early for treatment.

Dr. Awuah explained that because cases were reported late, 80 percent of patients were treated through palliation (surgery), which shortened their lifespan.

He reminded the public that the disease could attack cervix, breast, ovary, tongue, bladder, stomach, rectum anus and Lungs among others parts of the body.

Dr. Awuah said cervical cancer recorded the highest fatality rate of 39, breast cancer, 28, and prostrate cancer and ovary cancers recorded 15 and 12 cases respectively within the period under review. He said all cancers cancer could not be prevented except cervix cancer, which could be detected by Pap smear method but added that all cancers were curable if reported early enough.

Dr Awuah urged Ghanaians, especially women in their productive ages to go for voluntary medical examination to know their cancer status. He said since family or genetic history could be a predisposing factor for the disease, families should probe into the cause of death members to serve as a precaution to measure.