Understanding Prostate Cancer: Myths, Risks, and Early Detection
Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Prostate Cancer Prevention
Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a leading robotic urological surgeon and CEO of The Prostate Clinic (TPC), has clarified a widespread misunderstanding: neither frequent sexual activity nor dietary supplements can prevent prostate cancer. Speaking at TPC’s first anniversary event in Lagos, he emphasized that prostate cancer remains a “silent killer” surrounded by numerous myths, including the false belief that regular intercourse or herbal remedies offer protection against the disease.
“No matter how active your sex life is-even for male gigolos-prostate cancer can still develop,” Prof. Ekwueme stated. “This misinformation, especially rampant on social media, needs to be corrected.”
Key Risk Factors: Age, Ethnicity, and Family History
While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, medical research has identified three primary risk factors. Age is the most significant, with the risk increasing substantially as men grow older. Autopsy studies reveal that prostate enlargement begins as early as age 30, marking the initial stages of potential disease development.
Ethnicity also plays a crucial role. Black men are statistically more susceptible to prostate cancer and tend to experience more aggressive forms of the disease. Prof. Ekwueme highlighted, “Black men face a higher mortality rate from prostate cancer compared to other ethnic groups.”
Family history is the third major risk factor. Men with a first-degree relative-such as a father, brother, or uncle-diagnosed with prostate cancer have a significantly elevated risk. Moreover, these men often develop the disease approximately seven years earlier than the general population, typically in their early 50s rather than the usual peak age of 60 to 65.
The Role of Diet: Health Benefits Without Cancer Prevention
Despite popular claims, no specific diet or food item has been scientifically proven to prevent prostate cancer. Prof. Ekwueme recounted patients who consumed large quantities of soursop or tomatoes, hoping to avoid the disease, but stressed that extensive research has yet to identify any dietary measure that effectively reduces prostate cancer risk.
“While a balanced diet supports overall cardiovascular health and general well-being, it should not be mistaken as a preventive strategy against prostate cancer,” he explained.
Challenges in Nigeria: Late Diagnosis and Its Consequences
One of the most pressing issues in Nigeria is the late detection of prostate cancer. Unlike in developed countries such as the UK, where only about 12.5% of men are diagnosed at an incurable stage, over 80% of Nigerian patients present with advanced disease, severely limiting treatment options.
Prof. Ekwueme attributes this alarming trend to fear, stigma, and misinformation, which lead many men to delay seeking medical advice. Instead, they often resort to unproven traditional remedies, losing valuable time before receiving proper care.
Since its inception, The Prostate Clinic has treated 100 patients, striving to provide world-class urological services locally and raise awareness about the importance of early screening.
Early Screening: A Vital Step for At-Risk Men
Men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, are urged not to wait for symptoms before undergoing screening. Prof. Ekwueme recommends that men with affected relatives begin prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests by age 45 to detect any early signs of the disease.
“While concerns about sexual function are understandable, the risk of losing your life to untreated prostate cancer is far greater. Early detection can save lives,” he advised.
