By Ekene Nwankwo
Specialist
warns against misinformation as late diagnosis remains major challenge in
Nigeria
A leading
robotic urological surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, has dismissed popular
claims that sexual activity or the use of herbal supplements can prevent
prostate cancer, describing such beliefs as misleading and dangerous.
He made the
clarification during the first anniversary celebration of The Prostate Clinic
(TPC) in Lagos, where he spoke extensively on rising misconceptions surrounding
the disease and its prevention.
Ekwueme, who
also serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of the clinic,
said prostate cancer remains one of the most misunderstood health conditions,
largely because of widespread misinformation circulating on social media and
within communities.
According to
him, there is no scientific evidence linking sexual activity to the prevention
of prostate cancer.
“No amount
of sex can stop prostate cancer. Even men with very active sexual lifestyles
are still at risk,” he said. “People need to understand this clearly because
false information is spreading widely.”
He stressed
that prostate cancer does not have a single identifiable cause. Instead,
medical research has established only a few major risk factors, which include
age, ethnicity, and family history.
Ekwueme
explained that age remains the most significant factor, noting that prostate
changes begin early in life but become more problematic with advancing years.
He said
studies have shown that by the age of 30, early changes in the prostate can
already be detected, although the disease itself is rare at younger ages. The
risk increases significantly after the age of 50, with most cases diagnosed
between 60 and 65.
The second
major risk factor, according to him, is ethnicity. He noted that Black men are
statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer and are also more likely
to experience aggressive forms of the disease.
“Being a
Black man places you at higher risk,” he said. “And unfortunately, when it
occurs, it is often more aggressive compared to other populations.”
He added
that this disparity makes early detection even more important among African and
Black populations globally.
The third
risk factor he highlighted is family history. Ekwueme explained that men with
close relatives who have had prostate cancer face significantly higher chances
of developing the disease themselves.
“If your
father, brother, or uncle has had prostate cancer, your risk is much higher,”
he said. “In fact, you may develop it several years earlier than the general
population.”
He noted
that while the average age of diagnosis is around the early 60s, men with a
family history may begin to develop it in their 50s or even earlier.
Because of
this, he recommended that such individuals begin regular screening, including
PSA blood tests, from around the age of 45 to allow early detection and timely
treatment.
Ekwueme also
addressed widespread beliefs surrounding food and herbal remedies, strongly
rejecting claims that certain diets or natural mixtures can prevent prostate
cancer.
He said
there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims, despite years of global
research.
“People come
with all kinds of ideas—drinking certain herbs, consuming large amounts of
tomatoes or other mixtures,” he said. “But there is no diet that has been
proven to prevent prostate cancer.”
While he
acknowledged that a healthy diet is important for overall well-being,
particularly heart health, he warned against relying on food or supplements as
a form of cancer prevention.
He described
such beliefs as dangerous misinformation that could delay proper diagnosis and
treatment.
Beyond
prevention myths, Ekwueme raised concern over late presentation of prostate
cancer cases in Nigeria, describing it as a growing public health challenge.
He compared
Nigeria’s situation with developed countries, noting a stark difference in
early detection rates. According to him, only about 12.5 per cent of cases in
the United Kingdom are diagnosed at an incurable stage, while in Nigeria, more
than 80 per cent of patients present when the disease has already advanced
significantly.
He
attributed this gap to fear, silence, and misinformation, which often cause men
to avoid screening until symptoms become severe.
“Many men
waste valuable time trying unproven treatments and only come to hospital when
it is too late,” he said.
Ekwueme
urged Nigerian men to prioritise regular medical checks rather than waiting for
symptoms to appear. He warned that prostate cancer often develops silently,
without early warning signs.
He added
that while many men fear potential effects on sexual function, the greater risk
is losing their lives to a disease that is highly treatable when detected
early.
The
professor said The Prostate Clinic, which has treated about 100 patients within
its first year of operation, remains committed to improving early diagnosis and
access to modern urological care in Nigeria.
He stressed
that increasing awareness and encouraging routine screening remain key steps in
reducing preventable deaths from prostate cancer.
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