Lagos: Urologist and Robotic Urological Surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, has clarified that no amount of sexual activity or dietary supplements can prevent the development of prostate cancer. Ekwueme, who serves as the CEO/Medical Director of The Prostate Clinic (TPC), dispelled these myths during TPC’s first anniversary celebration in Lagos on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ekwueme emphasized that prostate cancer is a ‘silent killer’ and that misinformation is rampant, particularly the belief that regular sex or specific herbal mixtures can prevent the disease. “No amount of sex, unfortunately, can stop you from prostate cancer,” he stated. “There is no known cause of prostate cancer. What we have are established risk factors: age, being black, and family history.”
Ekwueme outlined these risk factors, noting that age is the primary one, as the risk of prostate cancer rises significantly with age. He explained that prostate enlargement begins by age 30, a fact confirmed by autopsy studies. Eth
nicity is another risk factor, with black men more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease.
Family history is also a significant risk factor. Ekwueme advised that if a first-degree relative has had prostate cancer, individuals are at an increased risk of developing it earlier than the general population. He recommended that those with a family history start blood tests, such as PSA, from the age of 45.
Ekwueme also addressed the misconception that diet can prevent prostate cancer, stating, “Nothing that you will eat can prevent you from prostate cancer.” While diet is beneficial for general health, he stressed that it does not prevent prostate cancer.
Ekwueme highlighted a crisis of late detection in Nigeria, where over 80% of patients present with incurable prostate cancer, compared to 12.5% in the UK. He noted that The Prostate Clinic aims to provide world-class urological care locally to bridge this gap. Fear, silence, and misinformation contribute to late-stage presentations, with many men re
lying on unproven treatments before seeking medical help.
He urged men in Nigeria not to wait for symptoms before undergoing testing, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes.