No diet, sex can prevent prostate cancer — Expert

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LAGOS — A leading urologist, Kingsley Ekwueme, has cautioned that neither sexual activity nor special diets can prevent Prostate Cancer, describing widespread claims to the contrary as misinformation.

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Ekwueme, a robotic urological surgeon and Chief Executive Officer of The Prostate Clinic, made the clarification on Sunday during the clinic’s first anniversary in Lagos.

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He described prostate cancer as a “silent killer” and warned that myths surrounding its prevention—particularly those linking it to frequent sexual activity or herbal remedies—have contributed to delayed diagnosis among many men.

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“There is no known way to prevent prostate cancer through sex or diet. Claims suggesting otherwise are not supported by medical evidence,” he said.

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The specialist identified three established risk factors for the disease: age, ethnicity, and family history. He explained that the likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age, noting that early prostate changes can begin as early as 30.

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According to him, men of African descent face a higher risk and are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease. He added that individuals with a family history—particularly involving first-degree relatives—are at significantly higher risk and may develop the condition earlier than the general population.

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Ekwueme advised that men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin routine screening, including Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, from the age of 45 to enable early detection.

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On dietary claims, he stressed that while healthy eating supports general wellbeing, there is no scientifically proven diet that prevents prostate cancer. He warned against reliance on unverified remedies, noting that many patients delay seeking medical care while experimenting with such approaches.

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He further raised concern over late diagnosis in Nigeria, revealing that more than 80 per cent of patients present at advanced stages of the disease, when treatment options are limited. This contrasts with lower rates of late-stage presentation in countries like the United Kingdom.

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The expert attributed the trend to fear, poor awareness, and misinformation, urging men not to wait for symptoms before undergoing screening.

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“Early detection remains the most effective way to manage prostate cancer. Delays in seeking proper medical care can have serious consequences,” he said.

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Ekwueme added that improving awareness and access to specialised care would be critical in addressing the growing burden of prostate cancer in Nigeria.

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