A Non- Governmental Organisation, Body Without Spot (BWS),
has urged men on periodic Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer early detection and treatment.
The Founder/Convener of BWS, Emeritus Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, gave the charge at an event organised
in partnership with the Enugu Sports Club on Monday in Enugu.
Okoye said prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men of African descent, including Nigerian men, who are at higher risk.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prostate is a small, wallnut-sized gland located below the bladder, in front of men’s rectum.
The prostate, a vital gland in the male reproductive system, surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
The primary function of the prostate is to produce prostatic fluid, a component of semen, which helps to nourish sperm and provides suitable environment for sperm cells to survive.
The founder of the NGO, therefore, said many men knew very little about prostate disease and its potential risks, but avoid or delay simple screening tests like the PSA blood test, and “manage” symptoms for months or years before seeking help.
She regretted that in spite of campaign against the disease, many men were still being diagnosed late – not because there was no test, but because there was an awareness gap and a culture of silence.
She said “by the time they arrive in hospital, treatment becomes complex, expensive and survival is poorer. Choosing not to screen has become a deadly decision and this is what BWS has come to confront.
“This soirée is our pilot flagship in the South-East. We have deliberately brought it to Enugu Sports Club because this club gathers the men whose decisions shape our region in business, politics, faith, culture and family life,” she said.
She explained that BWS was formerly Breast Without Spot and had since 2008, been committed to cancer prevention, early detection and advocacy in Nigeria.
She commended their partners in government, academia, especially their international Research Collaborators (Stanford, Moorehouse, Mayo Clinic, Hopkins and others.
“Imagine we have a South-East where men from 40 upward know their PSA the way they know their blood pressure.•
“Let us also be known as the people who refused to keep quiet while our men died silently of a preventable, treatable disease. One man can influence a thousand.”
The Urologist, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Dr Okezie Mbadiwe, said every man has prostate as part of his sexual organ, adding that without prostate, they would not perform optimally.
Dr Chinweuba Odimba, a Urologist with University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, listed frequent urination, especially at night, weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, pain or burning during urination and feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty as symptoms of prostate cancer.
The medical expert explained that some prostate cancer cases may be asymptomatic, while some present symptoms men could find incidental, especially while doing screening.
“So, most times, the early stage may not present the symptoms. That is why we encourage screening so that when you get screened, you can prevent progression of the disease through early treatment.
“When presented early with proper evaluation, the diagnosis can be better.”
On his part, Dr Vitalis Okwor, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, encouraged men between 40 and 50 years to watch out for the disease symptoms by doing their PSA test, at least once or twice in a year.
The former Minster of Power and Chairman of the event, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, emphasised the need for men to embrace the prostate cancer screening and shun culture of silence.
He said “I want to thank Body Without Spot and Enugu Sports Club for this inspired partnership, and to thank each of you for honouring this invitation.”
Prof. George Ugwu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, said the event was in line with what Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration was doing in the health sector.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to work with organisations like BWS and others to improve the health of the people, calling for reduction in the cost of screening and prostate cancer treatment.
The Chairman, Enugu Sports Club, Mr Ifeanyi Nweke, while pledging continued support to BWS, called on government to reduce the cost of prostate cancer treatment to give more people access.
