Elorm Beenie gives hundreds of Men free prostate cancer screening in Hlefi

Elorm Beenie, artist manager, founder of Events 21 and philanthropist, has launched a prostate cancer awareness drive. The program aims to inform men about this cancer that quietly claims the lives of older men because of insufficient awareness, delayed diagnosis, and limited treatment.

He launched the campaign with a screening and educational session in Hlefi, located in the Ho West District of the Volta Region, to celebrate his birthday on March 21. During the birthday charity event, he explained that “the disturbing number of prostate cancer fatalities prompted me to start this initiative to stop men from suffering avoidable deaths.”

He added that the campaign would expand across the country once sufficient resources are gathered, so that a large number of men could gain knowledge and protect themselves.

“Hopefully this won’t be the first of its kind. I intend to get the support so that I can do it in different parts of the region and the country as well.” Elorm Beenie added. Mr. Beenie revealed that part of the campaign would involve counseling men to cultivate the habit of voicing their concerns when facing social challenges, freeing them from the fear of being stereotyped.

He said this aims to lower suicide rates among Ghanaian men by collaborating with professionals and stakeholders. “Most suicide incidents, based on the data I’ve reviewed, involve men. These stem from various issues such as depression. It’s high time men adopt a fresh outlook so we can discuss what’s troubling them,” he added.

The registered nurse heading the medical team for the screening, Bridget Letsa, explained that prostate cancer—an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate—is the second most common cancer causing male deaths. She noted that the high mortality rate results from limited awareness, causing men to seek medical care only when the disease has progressed to an advanced, costly stage.

“Prostate cancer has received little focus, largely because other cancers dominate the conversation. When people think of breast cancer, which affects both men and women, it garners a lot of attention. In contrast, prostate cancer is rarely discussed among men. It’s encouraging that it’s now being highlighted, as it is a silent killer,” she remarked.

She noted that early detection allows treatment with medication and injections, whereas a late diagnosis often requires surgery because the cancer has advanced. She mentioned that although patients present late, they tend to refuse surgical options—such as orchiectomy—out of fear of losing sexual function, and instead choose medication and injections that range from about GhC2,500 to GhC12,000 per month.

She urged men to undergo annual screening after the age of 40, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer, or to use the September prostate cancer awareness month to get checked.

“I want to tell our men that it is prudent they take care of their health. Men always want to be men, they want to be strong. But then when it comes to certain conditions, being strong is not helpful. Because the earlier you detect it, the better for us. So I want to plead with our men, that when they notice any changes in urination, if they notice any changes in their health, they shouldn’t hesitate to go to the hospital.” she said.

Edwin Addae, a member of the Hlefi Development Association, praised Mr. Beenie’s initiative to tackle the urgent health concerns of men, noting that attention had largely been directed toward women. “This is a novelty; we have never seen this before. We are very grateful to Elorm Beenie. On behalf of the community and all who benefited, we appreciate the initiative,” he said.

He urged Hlefi natives residing elsewhere to contribute their share toward the development and welfare of their hometown. Those who were diagnosed with prostate cancer symptoms received medication and were advised to pursue early treatment. They also received complimentary massage sessions.

The event was partnered by The Urology Yub Ghana, Inspire Rural Development Africa, Twellium Ghana Limited (Verna Mineral Water), Salaria Eyemed, Salaria Transport Services, Deepfresh Seafoods, Estate Kitchen (Ho), Hill View Restaurant (Ho), Events 21, Beenie Words, Selaviv Records, Shugga Creatives, Swiss Angels Foundation, Elike Foundation, Hlefi Development Group, and some individuals who donated to support the cause.

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