Augustine Thomas • July 12, 2023

Driving Change: Prostate Cancer Campaign to be Launched in Sierra Leone

PROSTATE CANCER SALONE


In a collaborative effort to tackle prostate cancer and raise awareness about its early detection

and treatment, an impactful campaign will be launched in Sierra Leone. This significant event brings together key stakeholders, including the President and Deputy Captain of Freetown Golf Club, the club's manager, and the President of Cancer UK-Salone. By leveraging their resources and influence, this campaign aims to educate the population, promote regular screenings, and ultimately save

lives.

The Prevalence of Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a global health concern, affecting men

worldwide. Sierra Leone, like many countries, faces its fair share of challenges when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare facilities and cultural barriers contribute to late-stage diagnoses, increased mortality rates and stigma. However, the

launch of this campaign will be a significant step forward in addressing these

issues.

The partnership between Freetown Golf Club and Cancer UK-Salone showcases the power of collaboration in the fight against prostate cancer. Freetown Golf Club, with its esteemed reputation and influence in the community, recognizes the need for proactive engagement and social responsibility. Their commitment to this cause is evident through their involvement in numerous charitable initiatives.


The campaign's collaborative follow on meeting, held at Freetown Golf Club, was a pivotal moment in

shaping the strategies and action plans for raising awareness about prostate cancer. The President and Deputy Captain, alongside the club's manager, demonstrated their dedication to the cause and their willingness to support the community. By engaging with Cancer UK-Salone, an organization with expertise in cancer advocacy, prevention and support, the meeting was an opportunity to leverage collective knowledge and resources. Key Objectives of the Campaign:

  1. Raising Awareness: The campaign aims to educate the public about prostate cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection through screenings.
  2. By dispelling misconceptions and addressing cultural barriers, the goal is to empower men to take charge of their health.
  3. Community Outreach: Through partnerships with local healthcare facilities and community leaders, the campaign will organize educational workshops, screenings, and outreach programs. These initiatives will target underserved areas, where access to healthcare is limited, to ensure that every man has an equal opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. 
  4. Support and Resources: Recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of prostate cancer, the campaign will provide support networks and resources for patients and their families. This includes counseling services, support groups, and access to informational materials that promote overall well-being. 

The launch of the prostate cancer campaign in Sierra Leone will mark an important milestone in the fight against this prevalent disease. With the support and commitment of Freetown Golf Club's President and his Executive, along with the expertise of Cancer UK-Salone's President and board of trustees, the campaign is well-positioned to make a lasting impact. By raising awareness, providing resources and advocating for policy changes, this collaboration has the potential to save lives and improve the overall well-being of men's health in Sierra Leone.

Together, we can bridge the care gap through the power of collaboration with profound

influence to driving change.

Cancer UK-Salone at the European Association of Urology Congress (EAU25) in Madrid, Spain

By Augustine Thomas • March 24, 2025
Diversity PROMS Stakeholders Group Photo (EAU25)

Prostate Cancer Capacity Building of 20 Health Workers from 20 PHUs in Western Area District Health Management Team

By TINA DAVIES • September 6, 2024
Prostate Cancer Awareness Capacity Building for Healthcare Workers – 17th July 2024  On the 17th of July 2024, Cancer UK-Salone, in collaboration with the Western Area Urban Health Medical Team, organized a one-day workshop aimed at raising awareness of prostate cancer among healthcare workers. This crucial capacity-building initiative, attended by 20 healthcare workers from 20 primary health units, forms part of the broader Prostate Cancer SL Program launched by Cancer UK-Salone in November 2023. The program emphasizes early detection, education, and improved treatment outcomes for prostate cancer, which remains a significant health concern in Sierra Leone. Opening the Workshop The workshop kicked off with a warm and insightful address by the District Medical Officer, who stressed the importance of early detection and the vital role healthcare workers play in spreading awareness about prostate cancer. With healthcare workers at the frontline of patient care, their ability to recognize early signs and provide support is critical in combating the disease. The workshop was led by Professor Babatunde Duduyemi, a distinguished oncology pathologist, with support from Dr. Challe, a clinical oncologist with years of experience treating cancer patients in the region. Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer, covering key topics such as: Signs and Symptoms: Identifying early warning signs, including urinary issues, discomfort, and other related symptoms that could point to prostate cancer. Compassionate Communication: The importance of delivering difficult diagnoses with empathy and guiding patients through their treatment journey with care and understanding. Genetics: Understanding the genetic predispositions to prostate cancer and how family history plays a role in assessing risk. Interactive and Practical Learning In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants engaged in practical assessment sessions. These hands-on exercises allowed healthcare workers to apply what they had learned in real-life scenarios, enhancing their confidence and competence in identifying and managing prostate cancer cases. The interactive nature of the training encouraged dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, ensuring that all participants could actively contribute and ask questions. Closing and Certificate Presentation The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognizing the dedication of the healthcare workers who participated. Leonoil, the sponsor of the event, graciously presented the certificates, symbolizing their commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and cancer awareness programs in Sierra Leone. This one-day workshop is a crucial step in strengthening the healthcare system’s response to prostate cancer and ensuring that healthcare workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide early diagnosis and compassionate care to those affected. With the ongoing efforts of Cancer UK-Salone and its partners, Sierra Leone is moving closer to a future where prostate cancer is no longer a silent killer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness at Bethel Methodist Church, Freetown Sierra Leone: A Key Step Forward for Men’s Health

By TINA DAVIES • September 6, 2024
On Saturday, 31 August 2024, Cancer UK-Salone made significant strides in prostate cancer awareness with a vital presentation by Dr. Len Gordon-Harris at the Western District Men’s Fellowship meeting. The event, held at Bethel Methodist Church in Wilberforce, was a pivotal moment in our ongoing Prostate Cancer SL Awareness Campaign, focusing on empowering men with knowledge about this prevalent health issue. The presentation was attended by 70 Black Men, all over 40 years of age, who form the high-risk demographic for prostate cancer. Dr. Gordon-Harris provided an in-depth look at prostate cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The attendees engaged in a thoughtful discussion, asking important questions about screening, treatment options, and lifestyle choices that could help mitigate their risk. Thanks to our partners, Prostate Cancer UK, we were able to distribute informative literature to the attendees, offering them valuable resources to take home and share with their communities. We are deeply grateful for Prostate Cancer UK’s continued support, which helps us spread awareness and reach those who need it most. This event is part of a broader initiative by Cancer UK-Salone to address the challenges Black Men face regarding prostate cancer. Statistics show that Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and often at a more advanced stage. This is why raising awareness in communities like ours is so critical. As we build momentum, we are excited to announce our upcoming awareness walk, “Waka fɔ wi man dɛn” This will be our first awareness walk, and it represents a collective step toward improving men’s health across Sierra Leone. The walk will bring people together to show solidarity and encourage men to know their family history, take charge of their health through regular check-ups and informed decision-making. Stay tuned for more details about “Waka fɔ wi man dɛn” in November in Freetown Sierra Leone and join us as we continue to raise awareness and support the men in our community.  Together, we can make a difference to close the care gap.
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