Medical experts have raised concerns over the growing burden of prostate enlargement and late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis among Nigerian men. The concern was highlighted as The Prostate Clinic (TPC) marked its first anniversary in Lagos, bringing together clinicians, survivors and patients who underscored the scale of late-stage diagnosis and the urgent need for early screening and improved access to advanced treatment.
Alarming trends in prostate health
At the event, specialists painted a troubling picture of prostate health in Nigeria, noting that many men still seek medical care only after the disease has progressed beyond curative stages. They warned that delayed presentation is increasingly leading to severe complications, including kidney failure and preventable deaths. Untreated prostate enlargement, commonly associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, can silently worsen, obstruct urine flow and ultimately damage the kidneys, contributing to rising cases of kidney failure.
Call for early detection
The experts called for stronger public awareness campaigns and wider access to screening services, urging men to prioritise routine checks. They stressed that many complications currently being recorded, including kidney failure linked to prostate conditions, are largely preventable with early detection and timely treatment.
Progress in robotic surgery
The event also celebrated progress in local capacity, as TPC recorded 100 successful robotic-assisted prostate surgeries within its first year of operation, with survivors sharing testimonies of recovery. Founder of the clinic, Kingsley Ekwueme, said Nigeria continues to record a high rate of late-stage prostate cancer cases, a trend he noted is driving avoidable deaths and severe complications. According to him, data from the clinic show that over 80 per cent of Nigerian patients present with advanced prostate cancer, significantly higher than rates in developed countries where early detection is more common.
Closing the treatment gap
Ekwueme explained that the clinic was established to close this gap by improving awareness, encouraging early screening and expanding access to advanced treatment options within the country. He noted that the facility has already performed 100 robotic-assisted surgeries within its first year, treating patients from Nigeria and countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Some patients, he added, can receive treatment in Lagos and return to their home countries within days, reflecting improved access to minimally invasive care.
Future plans
Ekwueme also announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated robotic cancer centre in Imo State, which would integrate robotic surgery and radiotherapy within a single facility, reducing the need for patients to move between hospitals for comprehensive cancer care. Chairman of TPC, Francis Ogboro, described the clinic’s first year as a milestone, noting that it had built a multidisciplinary team delivering world-class care and successfully treated its 100th robotic surgery patient. He added that patient recovery stories and testimonials have helped drive awareness and confidence in the facility’s services.
Patient testimonies
Among the beneficiaries, retired Major General John Enenche described his experience as a “divine intervention,” noting that early screening played a key role in detecting his condition. He said he underwent robotic surgery at the clinic and was discharged within 48 hours, urging men above 40 to undergo regular prostate checks. Enenche also cautioned against misinformation surrounding prostate disease, stressing that early medical evaluation remains critical to survival. Another patient, Ben Alozie, said follow-up scans after treatment showed no residual cancer cells, describing his recovery as proof that prostate cancer is not a death sentence when detected early. He emphasised that timely diagnosis and access to modern treatment made a significant difference in his outcome, reinforcing calls for increased awareness and early intervention among Nigerian men.
