Doctor debunks prostate cancer myths, urges regular checkups

Dr. Olutoke Abraham, a resident doctor at the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta, has challenged the widespread belief that low sexual activity contributes to prostate cancer.

Speaking at a medical outreach organized by the Rotary Club for traders at Abeokuta’s Tarmac Phone Village, Abraham emphasized that age, smoking, and obesity—not sexual activity—are significant factors increasing the likelihood of developing prostate cancer, especially among African men aged 50 and above.

 “There is a general myth suggesting that either reduced or increased sexual activity could cause prostate cancer, but this is simply untrue,” Abraham clarified, underscoring the lack of scientific backing for such claims.

“Instead, research consistently shows that risk factors like age, smoking, and obesity have stronger correlations with prostate cancer.”

He further noted that prostate cancer is now the most prevalent cancer among Nigerian men, accounting for 11% of all cancers affecting men in the country. This statistic, he stressed, highlights the urgent need for regular health screenings.

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Dr. Abraham urged middle-aged and older men to prioritize their health by routinely visiting hospitals for preventive checkups, pointing out that men in Nigeria tend to seek medical care less frequently than women.

“Studies show that women generally demonstrate better health-seeking behavior than men, who often neglect their health in favor of work or caring for family members,” he explained. This trend, Abraham warned, may lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes for men.

He recommended that men over 50 undergo regular evaluations, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. These screenings, he said, are crucial for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages before it spreads to the bones, spine, or other organs.

“Early detection is key,” Abraham emphasized. “If prostate cancer is caught early, it can be effectively managed or even removed to prevent serious complications.”

With prostate cancer on the rise in Nigeria, Abraham’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of medical awareness and proactive health measures, especially among men at higher risk.