A Non-Governmental Organisation, Body Without Spot (BWS), has called on Nigerian men to embrace regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening to enable early detection and effective treatment of prostate cancer—a condition described by experts as one of the leading cancers affecting men of African descent.
The Founder and Convener of BWS, Emeritus Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, made the appeal during a health awareness event organised in partnership with the Enugu Sports Club on Sunday.
Prof. Okoye warned that many men avoid or delay screening, opting to “manage” symptoms at home, often until the disease reaches an advanced stage where treatment becomes complicated, costly, and survival chances diminish.
“Choosing not to screen has become a deadly decision,” she said, lamenting the persistent low awareness and culture of silence surrounding male reproductive health.
She noted that the event marked BWS’s flagship prostate health initiative in the South-East, deliberately held at the Enugu Sports Club, which brings together men whose decisions influence business, politics, culture, and family life.
Formerly Breast Without Spot, BWS has since 2008 focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and advocacy, partnering with international research institutions including Stanford University, Mayo Clinic, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Johns Hopkins University.
“Imagine a South-East where men from 40 upwards know their PSA levels the way they know their blood pressure,” Prof. Okoye said.
Understanding Prostate Health
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It produces prostatic fluid, a key component of semen, which nourishes and protects sperm.
Consultant urologists at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, emphasised that early-stage prostate cancer may be asymptomatic, making regular screening vital.
Dr. Chinweuba Odimba listed possible warning signs, including frequent urination (especially at night), weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, burning sensation, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
“Early detection through PSA testing allows for timely treatment, improving survival rates and reducing complications,” Dr. Odimba said.
Dr. Vitalis Okwor, a consultant clinical oncologist, advised men aged 40–50 to undertake PSA screening at least once or twice a year, highlighting that early detection remains the most effective weapon against prostate cancer.
Leaders and Government Officials Back the Call
Former Minister of Power and event chairman, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, urged men to overcome cultural barriers and silence surrounding prostate health, noting that awareness and proactive screening could save thousands of lives.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, stated that the event aligns with the administration’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services, emphasising the need to reduce the cost of screening and treatment for wider access.
Chairman of Enugu Sports Club, Mr. Ifeanyi Nweke, pledged continued support for BWS and appealed to government and private health providers to make prostate care more affordable.
A Call to Action
The event concluded with a renewed call for men to prioritise their health through regular PSA checks, early medical consultation, and community awareness, to prevent needless deaths from a preventable and treatable disease.