Cancer awareness among Ghanaian migrants in Finland

Today, I move from my usu­al focus on personalities or groups and their accom­plishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland to a theme somewhat different, but very im­portant—cancer awareness among (Ghanaian/African) migrants in Finland.

Cancer and other chronic dis­eases are increasing in many countries in the world, including Finland.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many deaths and sickness. Cancer and other life-threatening diseases equally cause untoward morbidity and mortality, putting a huge burden on healthcare sys­tems in many countries, including Finland.

Finland has a very good health­care delivery system which is accessible to all residents in the country. Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are expected to take advan­tage of the opportunities.

Cancer prevalence

Cancers and other chronic diseases are major public health problems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), can­cer was the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, in 2018.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases such as cancers and type 2 diabetes.

Cancers exert tremendous physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, communities, and health systems.

In Finland, research has shown that new cancer cases have oc­curred in recent years. A number of deaths occur as a result of the disease, although many people survive from the illness due to the good healthcare delivery system and early diagnosis.

Cancer incidence and mortality are likely to be more common in old age than earlier in life, also among African migrants, including those originally from Ghana.

Advocacy and creating awareness

I have recently been making inquiries about cancer among Afri­can migrants in Finland. Responses from some African migrants (for example, of Nigerian, Cameroo­nian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Zambia origins) indicate that they see cancer as a big problem among African migrants in Finland since some people fail to check their health statuses regularly at the hospitals.

To them, there is the need for advocacy in order to intensify education and create more aware­ness about cancer, particularly among migrants in Finland.

Cancer undoubtedly has impli­cations on people’s men­tal, spiritual and physical wellbeing. People should be educated on what causes cancer, early signs or symptoms, how cancer can be prevented or managed, treatment or therapy prospects and best practices, etc.

Other implications are not only the financial burden on individu­als, but also on the Finnish social services and healthcare institu­tions.

A healthy migrant community

A healthy migrant community is beneficial to the society as a whole. In Finland, public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been giving health information in various channels— webinars, mass media (radio, TV, as well as the new media and oth­ers). Such actions are very helpful to the people.

Indeed the social media outlets have become an important means for disseminating information and it could be a key medium through which migrant groups or associa­tions and other institutions could educate people.

Generally, migrant associa­tions formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interest and concerns heard.

As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process, and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland.

A positive outlook on the Finnish healthcare system

Ghanaian and other African migrants in Finland are generally keeping a positive mind and hop­ing for the best in life.

They know that the Finnish healthcare system, one of the best in the world, has a comprehensive healthcare service that caters for every resident in the country.

Migrants know that as residents they can count on and readily access good healthcare service delivery in Finland. All they need to do is to go for regular medi­cal checks since early diagnosis is key in the treatment of any illness. Adhering to treatment at the hospital rather than assigning spiritual interpretations is equally important to fight cancer and oth­er chronic diseases. Thank you!

GHANA MATTERS column ap­pears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it con­centrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on every­day life issues relating to the so­cial, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.

By Perpetual Crentsil

Email: perpetualcrentsil@yaaj