Editorial: Prostate Cancer - Nigeria’s Silent Epidemic Among Men
Prostate cancer has emerged as the leading cancer diagnosis among Nigerian men, a reality that underscores both a public health crisis and a call for urgent intervention.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022, Nigeria records over 18,000 new prostate cancer cases annually, making it the single most prevalent cancer among men in the country.
This staggering figure reflects not only the biological nature of the disease but also systemic gaps in awareness, screening, and healthcare access.
The prostate, a small gland located below the bladder and responsible for producing semen, becomes the site of abnormal cell growth in prostate cancer. While the disease often develops slowly and may remain confined to the gland for years, it can also turn aggressive, spreading to bones and other organs. In such cases, the consequences are devastating: severe pain, disability, and death if untreated.
Nigerian men are particularly vulnerable because the cancer frequently goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages. This late presentation is largely due to low screening rates, limited awareness, and cultural reluctance to seek medical help early.
Urologist Sefiu Eniola, speaking with PT Health Watch, emphasized that prostate cancer has quietly advanced into a major public health challenge. Unlike breast cancer, which has benefited from widespread advocacy and awareness campaigns, prostate cancer remains shrouded in silence.
Many men dismiss early symptoms such as difficulty urinating or pelvic discomfort, attributing them to aging rather than a potential malignancy. By the time they seek medical attention, the disease has often metastasized, leaving few curative options.
The burden is compounded by Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. Access to specialized care is limited, and diagnostic facilities are concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural populations at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are costly, pushing many families into financial hardship. This economic barrier perpetuates the cycle of late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Alarmingly, prostate cancer claims over 11,000 Nigerian lives annually, a mortality rate that far exceeds that of many developed countries.
Experts argue that the solution lies in early detection and sustained awareness campaigns. Routine screening through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examinations can identify the disease before it becomes life-threatening.
Public health initiatives must also confront cultural taboos and encourage men to prioritize their health. Just as breast cancer advocacy transformed women’s health awareness, prostate cancer requires a similar mobilization to destigmatize screening and treatment.
The editorial lesson here is clear: prostate cancer is not merely a medical issue but a societal one. Nigeria must invest in education, accessible healthcare, and affordable treatment to stem the tide of this silent epidemic.
Without decisive action, the disease will continue to erode the health and productivity of Nigerian men, leaving families devastated and communities weakened.
Prostate cancer may be the most common cancer among Nigerian men today, but with awareness, policy commitment, and collective effort, it does not have to remain the deadliest.
No comments:
Post a Comment