Medical Expert Advocates Early Screening to Combat Rising Prostate Cancer Cases in Nigeria

Category : Prostate Cancer | Sub Category : Prostate Cancer Posted on 2026-04-03 15:39:25

Dr. Louis Okolie, a Consultant Urological Surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, is calling for increased awareness and early screening to address the rising incidence of prostate cancer in Nigeria. Dr. Okolie holds an MBBS degree and is a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS), with a specialization in urology and research publications in the field.

He delivered a health talk during the maiden edition of the Enugu Regional Association, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (ERA-UNN) Distinguished Lecture Series, held in Nsukka. The event focused on “Collaborative Governance: Harnessing Intellectual Capital for Leadership Development.”

Key Points from Dr. Okolie’s Talk

• Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid, a component of semen.

• The disease often progresses silently in its early stages, showing few or no noticeable symptoms, which contributes to late diagnoses.

• Routine screening is critical for early detection and more effective treatment.

• Dr. Okolie strongly advocates for increased awareness and early screening among men to reduce rising cases in Nigeria.

• Proactive measures are essential, as late presentation of the disease leads to poorer outcomes.

The discussion framed prostate cancer within a larger public health perspective, emphasizing how knowledge and proactive governance can improve societal health outcomes.

Rising Concern in Nigeria

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Nigeria and across much of Africa. Some key facts include:

• Nigeria sees over 18,000 new cases annually (GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates), with numbers steadily increasing.

• It is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths in men; combined with breast and cervical cancers, these account for roughly 40% of all cancer deaths in Nigeria.

• Projections suggest that by 2050, new cases in Africa could nearly triple due to population growth and aging, with West Africa experiencing particularly high incidence and mortality rates.

• Late-stage diagnoses are common, increasing mortality; for example, one hospital in Lagos reported 212 prostate surgeries in 2025, reflecting rising cancer rates.

Challenges in Nigeria include low screening uptake, limited awareness, socioeconomic barriers, and a tendency for men to seek treatment only after symptoms appear.

Recommended Screening Approaches

While Dr. Okolie emphasized routine screening, general expert recommendations in Nigeria include:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures prostate protein levels; elevated levels may indicate cancer.

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A physical exam by a doctor to detect prostate abnormalities.

Screening is generally advised starting between ages 40–50 for average-risk men, and earlier for those with higher risk factors such as family history, African ancestry, or obesity.

Benefits and Considerations

Early detection allows for timely and often less aggressive treatment, improving outcomes. However, screening may also lead to overdiagnosis or unnecessary procedures, so discussions with a healthcare provider are important.

Broader Recommendations

Dr. Okolie’s advocacy aligns with ongoing public health efforts in Nigeria, including:

• Education campaigns to raise awareness about prostate cancer and its risks.

• Free or subsidized screening initiatives to make early detection more accessible.

• Integration of routine screening into health checks for men over 40–50.

Men, particularly those over 40 or with risk factors, are encouraged to consult a urologist for screening. Early detection can make a life-saving difference.

For more information, you can read the full report here: The Sun Nigeria