The Urology Unit of Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja, Kogi State has inaugurated its maiden Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting to improve the lives of prostate cancer patients.
The initiative is supported by the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (i-CARE) Consortium for Black Men, with a research initiative to examine the incidence of anxiety, depression, and determine quality life for patients.
Prostate cancer affects Black men, who face significantly higher risks of diagnosis and mortality compared to men of other races.
In the United States, one in six Black men are said to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to one in eight men in the general population.
The team leader and principal investigator of i-CARE, FTH Lokoja, Dr Ayodeji Ogunmola, said the meeting would improve patients’ clinical attendance.
He noted that the meeting was a follow-up to a summit held on Nov. 11, 2025, which brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to tackle prostate cancer in Kogi.
The urologists emphasised the importance of regular check-ups, especially for men over 45 years, to detect prostate cancer early.
Ogunmola urged participants to share their experiences and support one another by promoting a culture of openness and awareness.
He called on Nigerians to prioritise their health by undergoing regular check-ups, especially for prostate cancer.
The urologist attributed the high incidence of prostate cancer among men to a lack of regular check-ups and awareness.
Ogunmola said that the group would be meeting monthly to raise awareness and promote men’s health, urging patients to ask questions freely and share their feelings without reservations.
The reports say that the slogan adopted for this year’s meeting is “United Together, We Stand Strong, We Support Each Other. We Fight Together in Life.”
The meeting attracted participants from various local government areas in the state, including doctors, health experts, and patients.
NAN