{
  "id": 18281178,
  "title": "Prostate cancer: Separating myths from facts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/prostate-cancer-separating-myths-from-facts",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-05T08:47:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/prostate-cancer-separating-myths-from-facts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men worldwide, with one in eight men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. In African nations, the risk is even greater – one in six men will develop the disease. In Ghana specifically, more than 60 per cent of men with prostate cancer are diagnosed late, often at an advanced stage where treatment options are limited and survival chances may be low. Despite the prevalence of this disease, many myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer continue to circulate, leading to delayed medical care and compromised health outcomes. As November marks Men's Health Awareness Month, Family Physician Specialist Dr Nathan Kwablah of Opstra Medical Group is dispelling some of the most common myths surrounding prostate cancer, urging men to seek accurate information, adhere to professional medical advice, and make informed decisions about their prostate health.\n\nMyth 1: Prostate cancer primarily affects older men. Although the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and above, younger men can also develop the disease. Dr Kwablah advises men aged 40 and above to get screened for prostate cancer at least once a year, to detect the disease early when treatment options are more likely to be effective.\n\nMyth 2: Frequent sex prevents prostate cancer. Some men mistakenly believe that increased sexual activity or ejaculation frequency can protect against prostate cancer. However, research findings have shown that there is no direct correlation between sexual activity and prostate cancer risk. Men should not rely on sexual activity as a preventive measure, but instead, should follow regular medical checks and screening for early detection.\n\nMyth 3: Prostate cancer treatment leads to the end of a man's sex life. Many men delay treatment due to concerns about its potential impact on sexual performance. However, Dr Kwablah clarifies that while some treatments may affect sexual function, they do not guarantee permanent loss of sexual ability. Various therapies are available to manage any side effects and help men regain sexual function if needed. Men experiencing such difficulties should openly discuss their concerns with their doctors, rather than giving up on treatment or seeking unapproved remedies.\n\nMyth 4: Prostate cancer is a death sentence. The outcome of prostate cancer treatment depends largely on when the disease is detected and the appropriate treatment received. When caught early, prostate cancer can be successfully treated, and in some cases, cured. Men diagnosed with the disease should not give up hope but rather seek care from qualified health professionals and follow the recommended treatment plan.\n\nMyth 5: Herbal medicines can cure prostate cancer. With an increasing trend towards alternative remedies and herbal preparations, many men turn to such products for various health conditions, including prostate cancer. However, Dr Kwablah warns against relying on these unproven treatments, as there is currently no scientific evidence to support their efficacy in curing the disease. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer should seek care from recognised health facilities and qualified specialists, particularly urologists, for appropriate treatment rather than delaying care in the hope of alternative remedies. Delaying proper treatment could allow the disease to progress, making management more difficult. Key Takeaway: A prostate cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean the end of one's life. Early screening, detection, and appropriate treatment remain crucial. Men diagnosed with the disease should seek care from qualified health professionals, avoid delaying treatment due to misinformation, and not rely on unproven remedies. Dr Kwablah emphasizes the importance of taking prostate health seriously, seeking medical attention when necessary, and overcoming embarrassment, fear, or misinformation to ensure the best possible outcome for prostate cancer patients.",
  "summary": "GLOBALLY, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, studies have shown. In African men, the risk is even higher – one out of every six men will develop the disease. In Ghana, more than 60 per cent of men with prostate cancer are diagnosed late, usually at an advanced … The post Prostate cancer: Separating myths from facts appeared first on Ghanaian Times .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}