Health
Expert Decries Low Prostate Cancer Awareness, Screening Among Nigerian Men
By Damilola Oyeleke
A medical expert, Dr Joshua Oluwayomi, has raised concern over low awareness and poor screening uptake for prostate cancer among Nigerian men.
Oluwayomi, a medical officer at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, raised the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He described the situation as a growing but largely silent health crisis.
He explained that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate, a small gland in men that helps produce semen, begin to grow uncontrollably.
According to him, the disease does not have a single cause but is driven by multiple risk factors, with genetics playing a key role.
“Age is the biggest factor, as the risk increases after 50 years and is more common in men over 65 years.
“If your father or brother had it, your risk is higher, and certain inherited gene changes can further increase that risk,” he said.
Oluwayomi noted the influence of hormones, particularly testosterone, adding that prolonged exposure may increase risk since the prostate grows under male hormones.
He also highlighted racial disparities, stating that prostate cancer is more common and often more aggressive in black men, a concern particularly relevant in Nigeria.
On lifestyle factors, he said high intake of red meat and fatty foods, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as obesity and physical inactivity, may contribute to the risk.
He added that chronic inflammation or infections of the prostate may also play a role, although evidence is still evolving.
Addressing treatment, Oluwayomi said the disease is often curable when detected early.
“Yes, prostate cancer can be cured, especially if it is caught early. Treatment depends on how advanced it is at diagnosis.
“Early-stage (localised) cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery or radiotherapy.
“However, advanced stages may not always be fully curable, but they can be controlled for years using hormone therapy, chemotherapy and newer targeted treatments,” he said.
On prevention, he emphasised that while the disease cannot be completely avoided, the risk can be reduced.
“You cannot completely prevent prostate cancer, but you can take steps to lower your risk,” he said.
He recommended healthy lifestyle practices such as eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing red meat and fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking.
Oluwayomi also stressed the importance of screening, particularly for men at higher risk, noting that this should include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Examination.
Speaking on disease management, he said prostate cancer was generally manageable compared to many other cancers.
He noted that it usually grows slowly and, in some cases, doctors may adopt active surveillance rather than immediate treatment.
He explained that about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, but only about one in 40 to 45 men die from it, indicating that many men live long lives after diagnosis.
Oluwayomi, however, warned that low awareness and poor screening habits remain major challenges.
“The message is clear: prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but many lives are still being lost due to late detection,” he said.
He urged men, particularly those aged 40 and above, to prioritise regular health checks, stressing that early screening remains the most effective way to reduce deaths from the disease.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
