Medical Laboratory Scientists Raise Alarm Over Surge of Prostate Cancer Among Nigerian Men
Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has raised the alarm over increasing number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in the country.
Prostate disorders which are health conditions associated with men comprise Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
BPH is the most common, causing an enlarged prostate, while prostatitis is inflammation, often caused by bacterial infections.
The medical laboratory scientists disclosed that in recent times, there had been increase in the number of men presenting with prostate disorders in health facilities.
They noted that most men with prostate cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, present late to the hospital largely due to a lack of awareness about the symptoms of the disease.
Chairman of AMLSN, Lagos State branch, Abioye Omoyemi, said before prostate disorders were seen in older men but now, a lot of young men in their 40s are being diagnosed with the ailment.
The medical laboratory scientist advised men experiencing frequent urination to go for medical evaluation, stressing that frequent urination, especially at night is one of the symptoms of prostate disorders.
He described the prostate as a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the urinary bladder, in front of the rectum.
Omoyemi said, “In recent times, we have found out that among men, be it prostate cancer, prostatitis, and some prostate disorders have been a devil that has befallen man.
“We found out that in recent times, there is this increase in the presentation of these prostate disorders and it is beginning to be very alarming in our various hospitals. That is what stimulated our thought in terms of our theme for this year’s conference and there is a need for us to escalate this topic and create more awareness.
“In those days, it used to be very older men that came down with these disorders but these days, as young as a 40-year-old man is battling with the condition. It calls for concern.”
The laboratory scientist noted that there was the need for increased sensitisation among men for them to go for screening at least once a year on how to protect their prostate.
Harping on early detection, the senior health professional said early presentation of any disease condition including prostate disorders leads to higher chances of survival.
He identified difficulty urinating, such as trouble starting the flow of urine and the urge to urinate often, particularly at night as some of the symptoms of prostate disease.
