Speaking at the first anniversary of The Prostate Clinic, consultant urological and robotic surgeon Kingsley Ekwueme made it clear that there is no scientific backing for these claims.
“There is no diet that will prevent prostate cancer, and no amount of sexual activity can stop it. These are misconceptions that are costing lives,” he said.
A Common but Misunderstood Disease
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men globally, with disproportionately higher incidence and death rates among Black men, including those in Nigeria.
Ekwueme expressed concern that misinformation—particularly on social media—has led many men to depend on unverified remedies. These include excessive consumption of fruits, vegetables, or herbal mixtures, often at the expense of proper medical screening.
“I have seen patients who were taking large quantities of certain foods believing it would protect them, yet they presented with advanced, incurable cancer,” he revealed.
While he acknowledged that healthy eating supports overall wellbeing, he stressed that it should not be confused with cancer prevention. “Diet is good for your heart and overall health, but it does not prevent prostate cancer. That claim is false,” he added.
Debunking the Sexual Activity Myth
The surgeon also dismissed the widespread belief that frequent sexual activity reduces the risk of prostate cancer. According to him, men with high levels of sexual activity are still susceptible to the disease.
“These myths create a false sense of security. Men delay screening because they believe they are protected,” he warned.
The Real Risk Factors
Rather than myths, Ekwueme pointed to three well-established risk factors: age, ethnicity, and family history.
He explained that risk rises significantly with age, particularly from 50 years onward. Black men, he noted, are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease and face higher mortality rates.
Family history is another critical factor. Men with close relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer are at increased risk and should begin screening earlier. “If you have a family history, you should begin screening earlier, around the age of 45,” he advised.
Real-Life Consequences of Delay
Patient testimonies shared at the event highlighted the dangers of postponing proper care. One patient recounted ignoring symptoms and relying on alternative treatments until his Prostate-Specific Antigen test levels rose sharply, forcing him to seek medical help.
Another patient, who travelled from Canada for treatment, described how delays in accessing care abroad nearly proved fatal. “I was waiting for months and losing hope. Coming here changed everything. Today, I am fine,” he said.
Early Detection and Treatment Are Key
Ekwueme emphasised that prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. “Prostate cancer is not a death sentence. If you find it early, it can be cured,” he said.
He also pointed to advances in care, including robotic-assisted surgery, which can improve precision and reduce complications when handled by experienced specialists. However, he cautioned against poor outcomes when procedures are performed by inexperienced practitioners.
“The first treatment you receive is your best chance. You must get it right,” he stressed, urging patients to ask questions and seek qualified professionals.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite improvements in treatment, access and affordability remain major barriers within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Ekwueme noted ongoing efforts to expand specialised prostate care beyond Lagos to reach more patients.
Health experts agree that tackling misinformation and improving awareness will be crucial in reducing deaths from prostate cancer.
Ekwueme’s message to men was direct: “Do not rely on what you hear on social media. Screening is what saves lives, not myths.”