By Correspondent in Ilorin.
A consultant urologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, Niger State, Dr. Akinola Odunayo Olufemi, has called on Nigerian men to take prostate health seriously and shun myths that discourage early testing and treatment.
Dr. Olufemi, who spoke during a prostate cancer awareness session held online on Wednesday, stressed that the prostate, though small and often overlooked, plays a vital role in reproduction and overall male wellbeing.
“The prostate contributes about 30 per cent of semen volume, supports hormone metabolism, and aids ejaculation. When it develops problems, it can significantly affect a man’s quality of life,” he explained.
He identified three major conditions that commonly affect the prostate—prostatitis (inflammation), benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement), and prostate cancer, saying that while prostatitis is more prevalent in men under 50, enlargement and cancer are typically seen in older men.
Highlighting symptoms of prostate enlargement, he listed frequent urination—especially at night—urgency, burning sensation, weak urine stream, and interrupted flow as red flags.
“Some men dismiss these symptoms as part of ageing, but that is risky. In severe cases, untreated enlargement can cause urinary retention, which is a medical emergency,” he warned.
On prostate cancer, Dr. Olufemi described it as the most common cancer in men after skin cancer, with one in eight males affected globally. “The good news is that only about one in 41 men die from it because early detection and treatment are highly effective,” he noted.
Dispelling misconceptions, he clarified that prostate size does not always determine severity of symptoms, an enlarged prostate does not automatically mean cancer, and prostate diseases can be effectively diagnosed and treated in Nigeria. “Men should not assume they must travel abroad for care,” he emphasised.
He urged men aged 45 and above, as well as those with a family history of prostate cancer, to undergo regular screening through digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy when necessary.
For prevention, he recommended a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate hydration, weight control, and avoidance of smoking.
“Prostate cancer is not always fatal. Early detection saves lives. Men should learn to talk openly about their health and seek medical help when needed,” Dr. Olufemi said.
