Expert laments high rate of prostate cancer among older men

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A Consultant Urologist and Technical Partner of the LEAH Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Odeyemi, has revealed that six out of 10 men above the age of 70 have prostate cancer.

He noted that prostate cancer has been prevalent for a long time, but many people remain unaware of its seriousness.

Dr. Odeyemi made this statement during an interview with journalists at the LEAH Foundation’s free prostate cancer screening held in Tsaragi and Share on Wednesday.

“We are witnessing a revolution in our era, led by Her Excellency, Dr. Omolewa Ahmed. As I mentioned in my lecture, we have an uncountable number of people living with prostate cancer. In fact, from the study, when you examine men aged 70, you will find at least five or six of them living with prostate cancer.

“Some manifestations of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, interrupted urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, swelling in different parts of the body, and sexual dysfunction due to the cancer spreading to the nerves that supply the penis.”

He emphasized that early detection through regular screening is essential to curbing the disease.

“The most common causes are age—especially old age—being Black, which makes us more prone to the disease, and family history,” he said.

Dr. Odeyemi added that prostate cancer is curable if detected early. “In fact, urologists can cure it completely with early screening and detection,” he said.

He urged the government to expand free screening exercises and consider creating a Ministry of Men’s Affairs to focus on prostate cancer and other diseases, noting that prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in the region.

Odeyemi also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support free prostate cancer screening initiatives, similar to programs offered overseas.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s founder, Dr. Omolewa Ahmed, expressed her satisfaction that many people could access the free screening, which most beneficiaries described as the first of its kind.

“This is the work we’ve been doing for years. This time, we are bringing it to the doorsteps of our people. Today, we are launching it in Kwara North, in the city of Tsaragi.

“I’m glad people have access to this free exercise, which is not frequent. Our goal is to raise awareness and help people understand that getting screened is the answer.

“At the foundation, we don’t just diagnose people. We have a support structure through our technical partners. Those who test positive receive help and support from the foundation,” she said.

One beneficiary, a civil servant from Tsaragi, Mohammed Ndana, who took the test for the first time, commended the initiative and urged all levels of government to replicate the program so more men can get tested.