Prostate cancer poses a serious health threat to men around the world, and statistics show that one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Nigeria accounts for 29.1% of all male cancers in 2018, with a one-quarter of age-standardized prevalence rate of 16.1, but is more than in the United States.
The incidence of prostate cancer is 32.8 and the mortality rate is 16.3 deaths, and it remains the most common and deadliest cancer among Nigerian men.
Shockingly, 80% of cases were diagnosed at an incurable stage, resulting in more than twice the mortality rate in North America.
West Africa ranks fifth in the world in the risk of prostate cancer mortality, and studies show that it is the second most common cancer among Nigerian men under the age of 55.
The study by IARC and Partners, published in The Lancet, predicts that by 2040, the number of prostate cancer cases worldwide will exceed 200 million, reaching nearly 3 million each year.
Why is prostate cancer deadly in Nigeria
One of the main reasons for the high mortality rate of prostate cancer in Nigeria is the advanced diagnosis. When treatment options are restricted, many cases are detected at the advanced stage.
Limited health care is available to further problems, especially in rural areas where basic diagnostic tests such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examinations (DREs). In addition, the high cost of treatment, including surgery and radiation therapy, faces significant challenges for many patients.
However, with increased awareness, regular screening and access to improve healthcare, the number of deaths associated with prostate cancer can be greatly reduced. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary disease deaths in timely identified diseases.
Exclusive interview with Olusina Ajidahun
As part of our commitment to increase awareness of prostate cancer, Naija News Exclusive interviews with doctors, internal medicine residents and co-founders of Priv Health, a male sexual health startup. Execute behavior.
Good morning, Doctor; thank you for joining us. Please introduce yourself to our audience.
“My name is Dr. Olusina Ajidahun. I am a doctor and an internal medicine physician. I am also the co-founder of Priv Health, a male sexual health startup.
“In addition to my medical practice, I also serve as a health correspondent in various media. I am also involved in product strategies for health technology brands.
“I create and share health-related content across different channels and stay positive as a playback personality. This includes interacting with audiences through podcasts and discussions about health, medicine and related topics. ”
Understand prostate and prostate cancer
1. Can you briefly explain what the prostate is and its function in the male body?
“The prostate is a gland, which is the internal organ responsible for secreting various substances. It is located in the lower pelvis area of males.
“One way to consider prostate function is to compare it with the ‘sugar mummy’ that coat and nourishes semen. It produces prostate fluid, rich in nutrients and enzymes that support sperm health. Since sperm is one of the key components of semen, Therefore, this liquid plays a crucial role in reproduction.
“Prostate fluid contains glucose, fructose and enzymes that can help maintain the long journey of sperm. These secretions not only nourish sperm, but also help detect diagnostic markers for prostate cancer.transparent
2. What is prostate cancer and how it develops?
“Prostate cancer consists of two words – LET breaks them down. We have discussed what the prostate is, but what about cancer? Cancer refers to the abnormal growth and division of cells in an organ. In the case of prostate cancer, it particularly involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate.
“The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. However, we do know that certain risk factors lead to their development. Usually, the body cells follow a cycle of their growth, function and eventually die. But in cancer, some cells cannot be as they should be Death like that is essentially “immortal”. These abnormal cells divide rapidly and can spread to other parts of the human body.
“Another key factor in the development of prostate cancer is testosterone, male sex hormone. The prostate contains receptors that interact with testosterone, which can trigger changes in the glands, which may increase the risk of prostate cancer.”
Risks and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
3. Are there any specific risk factors that increase the chances of prostate cancer in men?
“Yes, several risk factors can increase a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer.
“One major factor is the age-there is a significant increase in the risk of men over 60 or 70 years old.
“Race also plays a role because black men are more common in prostate cancer than white people.
“Another important factor is the family history – if a relative has prostate cancer, the chances of developing the disease are higher.
“In addition, the risk of smoking and exposure to certain chemicals is increased.
“In the end, just men are a risk factor, because only men have a prostate, making them vulnerable to the disease.”
4. What are the warning signs or symptoms of prostate cancer that men should know?
“OK, now, trust me. Early signs were not signs. So, in the early stages of prostate cancer, you may not even know that a person has it. But when the symptoms start to appear, that’s when they come to the hospital. But there are things men can actually do to spot it early, and I will mention that.
“Asked this question, some symptoms include:
– Difficulty in urination
– Blood in urine (hematuria)
– Weak urine flow or dribbling
– Complications related to the kidney
– Back pain caused by cancer spreading to the bones
– Liver problems such as jaundice, if cancer spreads
“Just consider it, verify that the cancer can metastasize everywhere in the body.”
Early detection and prevention
5. Why is early detection of prostate cancer crucial for successful treatment?
“Early detection is crucial because when we detect a lot of things early, we can do a lot of things. So obviously when a person has prostate cancer we do what we call staging, which helps us know how involved the prostate is. Based on what we found, from the way to the recovery part of the treatment to the decision whether to use chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
“If you pick it up early and it doesn’t spread everywhere, there are a lot of things you can do. Early testing is important because we need to identify and monitor conditions. Some people are at high risk of prostate cancer if they are screened ( This is important) We can detect potential cases early and intervene at the right time. ”
6. What are the common screening tests for prostate cancer? Should men often receive these tests?
“A common screening test for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a measure of the level of PSA, the level of protein produced by the prostate.
“Men in their 40s are advised to consider taking a PSA test as part of routine screening. However, before the test, doctors will perform physical examinations, including digital rectal examinations (DRE). This involves doctors inserting fingers into the rectum to evaluate the prostate to evaluate the gland. However, before the test, doctors will perform physical examinations, including digital rectal examinations. size and texture. Although some men may find this discomfort, it is an important step in detecting abnormalities.
“In addition to PSA tests and DRE, ultrasound scans can be performed to provide further evaluation of the prostate. These combined screening methods help to detect and diagnose prostate cancer early.transparent
How long should men undergo prostate screening? “OK, it depends. The key factor is family history.
“If you have a family history of prostate problems, you should take the screening seriously from your 30s. However, if you don’t have a family history, you should start regular prostate screening from your 40s.”
7. How do men maintain healthy prostate and reduce the risk of prostate cancer by changing their lifestyle?
“Men can maintain a healthy prostate and reduce their risk of prostate cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet is crucial, with a focus on nutritious foods. Reducing alcohol and smoking is strongly recommended, as both have harmful effects on overall health. Also, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially for those who are obese.
“For people with a family history of prostate cancer, regular screening is crucial and should be taken seriously. Overall, key preventive measures include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking.transparent
8. What is the most important information you want to share with Nigerian men about prostate cancer?
“Everyone should take this seriously. Learn about your family history. Complete the PSA test. If we can detect prostate cancer as soon as possible, we can save more lives. No one has to die of prostate cancer. Thanks. ”
