In many parts of Nigeria—from the busy streets of Lagos to the calm hills of Enugu—men are known for their strength, resilience, and sense of duty. We wake up early, hustle hard, provide for our families, and keep going no matter what. But there’s something most Nigerian men don’t do enough of: talk about their health.
One silent killer we often ignore is prostate cancer. For many men over 40, it's a looming threat—but one we rarely discuss. Perhaps out of fear, shame, or lack of awareness, countless men wait until it's too late before they seek help.
This article is a heartfelt plea to every Nigerian man: don’t let silence be your downfall. It’s time we talk openly about routine prostate cancer screening, its pros and cons, and the best treatment options available—including emerging ones like stem cell therapy.
Understanding the Prostate and Why It Matters
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland found only in men, just below the bladder. Its job? To produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. But as men age, the prostate can become a source of trouble, including cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men, particularly those over 50. According to the Nigeria Cancer Society, thousands of new cases are reported annually—and sadly, many are detected at late stages.
Early detection could be the difference between life and death.
What Is Routine Prostate Cancer Screening?
Routine prostate cancer screening involves testing men without symptoms to catch prostate cancer early. The two most common screening tools are:
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PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test that checks the level of PSA, a protein made by the prostate. High levels can signal prostate cancer, but also other prostate issues like infections or benign enlargement.
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Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities on the prostate.
These tests are quick, inexpensive, and potentially lifesaving. But like all things in life, they have pros and cons.
The Pros of Routine Prostate Cancer Screening in Nigeria
✅ Early Detection Saves Lives
Most prostate cancers grow slowly. When caught early, they can be treated effectively before they spread. This is especially important in Nigeria, where late-stage diagnosis is common due to limited access to healthcare and cultural reluctance.
✅ Increased Treatment Options
Early detection means more choices—from active surveillance to surgery, radiation, or newer therapies like stem cell therapy. You’re not boxed into a corner.
✅ Peace of Mind
Knowing your status brings mental relief. Imagine the peace that comes from a clean bill of health, or from catching something early enough to beat it.
✅ Public Health Benefit
Routine screening, especially in community settings like churches, mosques, and men’s groups, raises awareness and encourages others to follow suit. One man’s check-up could spark a movement.
The Cons of Routine Prostate Cancer Screening in Nigeria
❌ Overdiagnosis
Some prostate cancers grow so slowly they may never cause harm. Screening might find these, leading to unnecessary worry and treatment.
❌ False Positives
A high PSA level doesn’t always mean cancer. It can result from infections, recent ejaculation, or even riding a motorcycle on bumpy roads (common in Nigeria!). This can cause anxiety and lead to unnecessary biopsies.
❌ Limited Resources
In rural or underserved parts of Nigeria, access to qualified urologists and modern screening tools is limited. Even when diagnosed, patients may not receive timely treatment.
❌ Cultural Stigma
Many Nigerian men fear the digital rectal exam, associating it with embarrassment or cultural taboos. Some avoid hospitals altogether, choosing herbal remedies or “man of God” healing sessions instead.
So, Should You Get Screened?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, if you're a Nigerian man over 45 (or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer), you should at least talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening.
The goal isn’t to panic—but to be informed. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.
What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer in Nigeria?
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t despair. There are several treatment options available—ranging from conservative to advanced approaches.
Let’s explore them:
1. Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)
Best For: Slow-growing cancer in older men
This involves closely monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment. You’ll do regular PSA tests, DREs, and possibly biopsies.
Pros:
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No side effects
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Avoids overtreatment
Cons:
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Not suitable for aggressive cancers
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Regular follow-up needed
2. Surgery (Prostatectomy)
Best For: Localized cancer in younger, healthier men
Surgical removal of the prostate can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Pros:
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Curative if caught early
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Available in major Nigerian teaching hospitals
Cons:
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Risk of urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction
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Requires skilled surgeons (not widely available in rural areas)
3. Radiation Therapy
Best For: Men who can’t undergo surgery or prefer non-surgical options
Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be external or internal (brachytherapy).
Pros:
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Non-invasive
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Effective for localized cancer
Cons:
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Can cause bowel and bladder problems
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Expensive and less accessible in some parts of Nigeria
4. Hormone Therapy
Best For: Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
Also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), this treatment reduces male hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Pros:
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Slows cancer spread
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Helps control symptoms
Cons:
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Not curative
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Side effects include hot flashes, loss of libido, and bone thinning
5. Chemotherapy
Best For: Advanced-stage cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Pros:
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Effective for aggressive cancers
Cons:
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Harsh side effects (nausea, hair loss, fatigue)
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Expensive
6. Emerging Hope: Stem Cell Therapy
Now let’s talk about an exciting frontier in cancer care—stem cell therapy.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cells are special cells that can develop into many different types of cells in the body. In prostate cancer, stem cell therapy may:
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Regenerate damaged tissues after surgery or radiation
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Boost the immune system to fight cancer cells
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Help repair nerve damage, especially in men suffering from erectile dysfunction post-treatment
Is Stem Cell Therapy Available in Nigeria?
Some wellness clinics and advanced medical centers, like Chenkov Wellness in Onitsha, are exploring stem cell-based supplements and treatments as part of integrative care. While stem cell therapy for cancer is still experimental, it holds immense promise and is being used globally in clinical trials.
Pros:
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May reduce long-term side effects of traditional treatments
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Supports healing and recovery
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Future potential as an immune-based cancer therapy
Cons:
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Still under research
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Not yet widely available or affordable in Nigeria
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Needs careful regulation to avoid exploitation
Stem cell therapy is not a magic bullet, but it could become an important part of personalized treatment in the future. As Nigeria’s medical landscape evolves, more men will have access to these breakthroughs.
Coping Emotionally and Spiritually
Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your mind, emotions, relationships, and faith. For many Nigerian men, especially Christians and Muslims, faith becomes a pillar of strength.
It’s okay to pray. It’s okay to cry. But also remember: faith without action is dead. See your doctor, talk to your loved ones, join support groups, and lean on your community.
You are not alone.
Real Stories, Real Men
Mr. Okechukwu, 62, Enugu:
“I ignored my PSA test until I started urinating with blood. Diagnosis: stage 3 prostate cancer. After surgery and hormone therapy, I’m alive today because I finally listened. Now I tell every man I know—go check yourself.”
Baba Alhaji Musa, 55, Kaduna:
“My son brought me to a screening camp. I had no symptoms, but my PSA was high. I got treated early. Allah used my son to save me.”
What Can You Do Today?
✅ If you’re over 45, book a PSA test at a nearby clinic or teaching hospital.
✅ Talk to your doctor about your family history and risk level.
✅ Share this article with your friends, father, husband, or brother.
✅ Support organizations that run free screening camps.
✅ Ask about new treatments, including stem cell-enhanced recovery plans.
Conclusion: Be a Man, Not a Martyr
We often say “na man you be” as a badge of pride. But true manhood isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending nothing is wrong. It’s about facing the truth, making wise decisions, and staying alive for those who love and depend on you.
Routine prostate cancer screening is not a sign of weakness. It’s a bold, responsible, and loving act. It gives you options, time, and hope. Whether through surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, or the emerging promise of stem cell therapy, there are tools today that our fathers never had.
Let’s be the generation of Nigerian men who normalize health checks, embrace modern treatments, and live longer, fuller lives.
Go for that check-up. It might just save your life.
#ProstateAwarenessNG
#RealMenCheckUp
#StemCellHopeNigeria
#MensHealthMatters
#NaManYouBeForReal
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