The President of the Association of Urological Surgeons of Nigeria, Prof. Nuhu Dakum, has raised concerns over a growing rise in bladder and testicular cancers, warning that conditions once considered uncommon are now appearing more frequently in clinics across the country. While prostate cancer remains the most pravalent cancer among Nigerian men, and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, experts say late presentation to hospitals continues to drive the high burden of the disease.
Nigeria records an estimated 127,000 new cancer cases annually, resulting in about 80,000 deaths, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate. “Nigeria accounts for 127,000 cancer cases annually, with about 80,000 deaths. That is the burden,” Pate said during the inauguration of the Oncology Centre at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. Globally, the World Health Organisation projects over 35 million new cancer cases by 2050, a 77 per cent increase from 2022 figures.
Speaking to journalists, Dakum said the rising incidence of bladder and testicular cancers poses a significant public health challenge. “We are also beginning to see more cases of cancers of other urological organs, such as the bladder and the testes, compared to what we used to have in the past,” he said. Although he did not provide exact figures, he stressed that the increase is “quite high and is growing rapidly.”
Dakum, a professor of surgery at the University of Jos, noted that prostate cancer diagnoses have risen sharply in recent years. “In particular, prostate cancer cases have become more common over the last five years compared to earlier periods,” he said, attributing the trend partly to increased public awareness and improved diagnostic facilities.
He added that earlier detection is beginning to improve outcomes. “The good thing, however, is that we are beginning to see these cases at earlier stages of the disease, when we can actually do something and even talk about a cure,” he said, contrasting this with past patterns of late presentation.
The urologist advised men not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical attention. “The best thing is to do a test called PSA, which stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. You do not wait for symptoms because once symptoms appear, it is often already too late,” he said, urging routine check-ups, especially for men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Dakum noted that major risk factors remain unchanged, citing age, race, family history and genetics, and urged healthier lifestyles as part of prevention. “Eating a healthy diet, reducing intake of fats and animal protein, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular exercise are important,” he said, adding that such habits strengthen the body’s ability to fight disease, particularly when cancers are detected early.
Source: Punch
