By correspondent.
Dr. Chidiebere Ogo, a urologist and Chief Consultant at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun state, South West Nigeria,has warned men over 40 to limit their consumption of red meat to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Speaking at a Prostate Cancer Awareness & Screening event in Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun, Ogo said that excessive red meat intake could significantly increase prostate cancer risk. “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Nigeria and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. “If not detected early and treated appropriately, it can be fatal,” he warned. Ogo also urged men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, to seek regular screenings. “We encourage men to get screened, given the high incidence and mortality rates associated with this disease,” he added. The medical doctor emphasized that every man has a prostate gland that can develop cancer, adding that early detection is crucial for survival. ” With timely intervention, prostate cancer is not a death sentence,” he explained. Ogo called on the federal government to establish more cancer screening centers, noting the lack of nationwide screening facilities. Prof. Emeka Iwela, Centre Leader at Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication African Centre of Excellence (CApiC-ACE), stated that raising awareness about prostate cancer is critical due to its deadly nature. He stressed the importance of understanding the disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Iwela cautioned against self-medication and encouraged individuals to consult qualified medical professionals for early diagnosis. Ms. Chichi Ononiwo, Founder of Beulah World Initiative (BWI), who discussed the psychological and social challenges faced by cancer patients, emphasized the importance of support systems throughout treatment and recovery. The screening event, organized by Covenant University in collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CApTC) and BWI, provided over 100 residents of Ado-Odo/Ota with free prostate cancer screenings, raising awareness about the disease. One participant, Alhaji Adeyinka Aremu, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it increased his knowledge about prostate cancer. Our correspondent reports that more than 100 residents of Ado-Odo/Ota, were given free cancer screening to know their status on prostrate cancer.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
