By Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A Non-governmental organisation promoting cancer awareness and management, Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation on Saturday, hosted a 3.3km Lagos prostate cancer walk with the screening of men for early detection, treatment, and prevention of the killer disease.
The walk which commenced from Ikeja under the Bridge to Ikeja City Mall in Alausa, Ikeja, was tagged “The Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation March For Men Against Prostate Cancer.”
The free prostate cancer screening for men above 45 years also featured blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate.
Experts say prostate cancer is 100 per cent treatable if detected early, adding that it is the most common cancer found in men.
According to the World Health Organisation, in Nigeria, an estimated 115, 950 cases of prostate cancer were detected in 2018 with 70, 327 deaths recorded.
The global health body described prostate cancer as a common type of cancer in males, which is highly treatable in the early stages.
Speaking at the walk, a Senior Registrar Urologist in the Department of Surgery at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Adebowale Oyebade, urged men above 40 years to engage in yearly prostate screening to prevent late detection.
While noting that prostate cancer has become the most common cause of cancer death among men, Oyebade said there is little that can be done when the disease is at an advanced stage.
He lamented that late detection of prostate cancer has made the efforts to combat the disease in Africa difficult.
He added, “This is just about prostate cancer awareness. As we all know, it is one of the most common cancers in men and it is not just about men, because whatever affects the man would affect the spouse, family, and all. It is more of a public health concern and that is the importance of this.
“Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men. So, for men, in their lifetime, it is expected that at least one out of eight would end up with prostate issues. And one out of 38 would die from prostate cancer.
“However, in this part of the world, because we tend to come up with issues very late, we tend to come up when the disease is at an advanced stage.
“With early detection, it helps you to be able to achieve a cure for the disease. That would also help reduce the financial burden on the family and individuals.
“Virtually everything about prostate cancer has a bearing on exercise. Any men above 40 should ensure they do screening at least every Year.”
In her remarks, the Business Development Head of the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation, Toyin Ayodele, said the walk was organised to create more awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection among Nigerian men.
She further said, “I think people need to do tests yearly especially if they are forty and above. They need to know their status.
“When it is detected early, it can be cured and that is why we are putting this information out there so that people can engage in early detection.
“We used the walk to let the people of Lagos know that we are here to create awareness for prostate cancer and also to screen people for free.
“We want people to come to the final location, get themselves tested, and know their status.”
Top celebrities in Nigeria’s Nollywood and music industry also featured in the walk.
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