By Flata Kavinga
Government medical officer Dr Stanley Mukono has urged men to take prostate cancer screening seriously, saying early detection can improve health outcomes and reduce deaths from the disease.
Dr Mukono made the remarks during the Mighty Men Business Seminar held in Kwekwe on Saturday.
The seminar was officially opened by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo.
Addressing delegates, Dr Mukono said prostate cancer is a significant men’s health concern that requires greater awareness and timely medical consultation.
He said global estimates for 2024 indicated about 1.5 million new prostate cancer cases and approximately 420,000 deaths worldwide, adding that Africa recorded an estimated 112,000 new cases and about 62,000 deaths.
Dr Mukono said the figures highlighted the burden of the disease and the need for men to be more proactive about their health.
He encouraged men to discuss prostate cancer screening with qualified clinicians, saying routine assessment should be guided by individual risk factors rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
According to Dr Mukono, factors such as age, family history, lifestyle and environmental exposure should be considered when deciding whether screening is appropriate.
He said men aged 50 years and above should speak to their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening, while those with higher risk factors, including a family history of prostate conditions, may need to begin those discussions earlier.
Dr Mukono cautioned members of the public against relying on unverified health screening services, urging them instead to seek advice from qualified medical practitioners.
