A new public health campaign launched this week in Chad aims to address a concerning rise in prostate cancer diagnoses among men,particularly those over 45. Health officials report a notable lack of awareness about the disease – often considered a “women’s cancer” – coupled with limited access to advanced treatment options within the country . The initiative, beginning November 22 in N’Djaména, prioritizes education and early detection as key strategies for improving outcomes in a region where delayed diagnosis is common .
Health officials in Chad are raising awareness about the rising rates of prostate cancer among men, particularly those over the age of 45. The initiative, launched November 22 in N’Djaména, aims to educate community leaders about the disease and encourage early detection, a critical step given limited treatment options within the country.
Dr. Manikassé Palouma emphasized that prostate cancer is often mistakenly believed to be a disease affecting only women. “At the time, people believed that cancer only concerns women. Whereas men are also affected. Worse, men, from 45 years old, are exposed to prostate cancer. Worse still, over 60 years old, 66% of men have this cancer,” he warned.
This alarming statistic was reinforced by Dr. Nemian Meurde Frédéric, an anatomopathologist at the National Referral University Hospital Center (CHU-RN). “If I receive three samples, at least one will present cancer,” he stated, highlighting the prevalence of the disease among those screened.
Several factors contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer, including a family history of the disease, increasing age, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. Understanding these risk factors is a key component of preventative health measures.
Symptoms of prostate cancer, while often appearing later in the disease’s progression, can include difficulty urinating, a burning sensation during urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and painful ejaculation. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking timely medical attention.
Currently, Chad lacks the advanced medical infrastructure needed to effectively treat prostate cancer. Therefore, the primary focus is on raising awareness and promoting early screening. “In the country, we do not have the technical platform to treat these people. The strategy is therefore to raise awareness among the elderly so that they get screened. When we detect this cancer early, we can cure the patient. Do not think that just because there are no signs you are healthy. For cancer, it takes ten years for symptoms to appear,” Dr. Palouma cautioned. This underscores the importance of proactive health monitoring, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.
