By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja

The National Association of Seadogs aka Pyrates Confraternity has called on Nigerian men over 40 years to frequently screen their prostate to detect early signs of enlargement and cancer before they become fatal.

They decried that the habit was not common despite the disease being a leading cause of death among the menfolk.

The Sahara Deck of the Association, which embarked on a walk to create awareness on prostate cancer in Abuja stressed the need to take the issue seriously.

Capoon, Sahara Deck, Mr Victor Ofili, said prostrate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and the second most common cause of death from cancer in men worldwide.

The disease, he noted, is more prevalent in blacks and mixed race men compared to men of European or of Asian descent.

“We are aware that prostate cancer often begins without symptoms, however, some symptoms can include difficulty emptying the bladder, blood in the urine (Hematuria), and bone pains.

“Other possible symptoms include dull pain in the lower pelvic area; frequent urinating; trouble urinating; pain, burning, or weak urine flow; painful ejaculation; pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs; loss of appetite and loss of weight.

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“It has also been proven that many prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread outside the confines of the prostate gland, which can be deadly. Despite this scourge, it is sad to note that routine prostate cancer screening is not a common practice in Nigeria as awareness of sickness among Nigerian men is poor, majority of sufferers usually present themselves in the hospital when the disease is already advanced.

“However, there may be measures to aid in the prevention of prostate cancer and that can reduce risk, including regular exercise and diets low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole fibers. Foods with high amounts of the antioxidant lycopene – such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon – may help to lower the risk.

“The primary goal of prostate cancer screening is to reduce deaths due to prostate cancer through early detection and prompt management. Hence the purpose of this awareness campaign which is to sensitize adult males about prostate cancer and the available screening tests. While we are also using this medium to call on government at all levels to make provisions for affordable routine checks for prostate cancer and improve the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), so that Nigerians can afford healthcare.

“Our medical team have been able to highlight some predisposing factors to prostate cancer, these include: family history of cancer – a father or a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer (a history of breast and ovarian cancer may also be associated with an inherited risk of developing prostate cancer); high-fat diet and/or obesity; smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle.

“Men aged 40 years and above are encouraged to go for prostate cancer screening which consists of: Digital rectal examination; prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – a blood sample is analyzed for levels of a protein produced by the prostate that, when elevated, can indicate the presence of cancer. New urinary (PCA3 and MDx Select) and blood (4K score and PHI test) biomarkers are also used at times to screen for prostate cancer in men considered to be at-risk for the diagnosis,” he said.

He also advised that frequent exercising and good dieting should be aspired by everyone for the sake of healthy living.

A member of the Association, who participated in the walk to create awareness, Dr Joseph Oteri, advised that even younger men should be wary and take precautions to avoid the risk of the disease.

He said eating tomatoes is a good way to fight the disease as the fruit helps in regulating the prostate.

He urged that they maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and avoid excessive smoking and intake of alcohol.

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra which produces and stores fluid that helps to make semen, and is involved in regulating bladder control.