A consultant urologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, Dr. Akinola Odunayo Olufemi, has cautioned Nigerian men against believing myths about prostate health, stressing that early screening and lifestyle choices can help prevent severe complications, including cancer.

Speaking during a prostate cancer awareness session, Dr. Olufemi described the prostate as “a small gland, about the size of a walnut, located between the penis and the bladder,” which plays a vital role in reproduction by contributing 30 percent of semen volume and aiding hormone metabolism.

He explained that prostate problems are common and can appear in different forms such as prostatitis (inflammation), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged prostate), and cancer. “While prostatitis is common in men under 50, enlargement and cancer become more frequent as men grow older,” he said.

On the symptoms of prostate enlargement, he noted: “Men should look out for frequent urination, especially at night, urgency, burning sensations while urinating, weak or interrupted urine stream, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. In some cases, urinary retention may occur, and this requires urgent medical attention.”

The urologist, however, warned against popular misconceptions. “The biggest myth is that prostate size equals severity of symptoms. A small enlargement may cause big symptoms, and a large prostate may not,” he explained. He also stressed that prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms, which makes regular screening important, especially for men above 50 or those at higher risk.

According to him, risk factors include age, race, and family history, with Black men shown to have a higher risk globally. He added that prostate cancer, though serious, is not always fatal if detected early. “Many cases are slow-growing and manageable. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drug therapy depending on the stage of the disease,” he said.

Dr. Olufemi urged men to adopt healthy habits such as eating balanced diets, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. He further encouraged Nigerian men not to assume the disease cannot be well managed locally. “Prostate diseases are properly diagnosed and treated in Nigeria. Some advanced cases may require referral, but care is available within the country,” he assured.

He advised Nigerian men from the age of 45 to consider regular screenings. “Awareness and early check-ups save lives. Men should speak with their healthcare providers instead of relying on myths or waiting for symptoms to appear,” Dr. Olufemi concluded.