{"id":1355,"date":"2026-10-04T11:28:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T11:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/?p=1355"},"modified":"2026-10-04T11:30:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T11:30:11","slug":"prostate-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men do not know where the prostate is, what it does, or that a simple blood test can detect early-stage prostate cancer when it is most treatable. Cultural attitudes toward men&#8217;s health, the reluctance to visit clinics, the avoidance of anything that touches on male anatomy, and a general &#8220;I&#8217;m fine&#8221; culture mean that most Nigerian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer only when it has already spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This needs to change. Prostate cancer caught early is highly survivable. Prostate cancer diagnosed late is not. This article is for every Nigerian man over 40, and for every woman who loves one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is the Prostate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, the liquid that nourishes and transports sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of its location wrapping around the urethra and sitting close to the bladder and rectum, diseases of the prostate commonly affect urination and, in advanced disease, bowel function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Prostate Cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-1024x495.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-1024x495.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-399x193.jpg 399w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-799x386.jpg 799w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer-832x402.jpg 832w, https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Prosstate-Cancer.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It is almost always an <strong>adenocarcinoma<\/strong>, cancer arising from the glandular cells of the prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing; many men live with it for years without symptoms or significant harm. However, some prostate cancers are aggressive, grow quickly, and spread to the bones, lymph nodes, and other organs. The challenge is that early-stage prostate cancer produces no symptoms, making routine screening the only reliable way to detect it in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/cancer\">WHO<\/a>, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally. In Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, men of African descent have the highest incidence and the highest mortality from prostate cancer of any population in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Nigerian Men Are at Higher Risk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Men of African descent, including Nigerian men, have a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities. Specifically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More likely to develop it at a younger age, often a decade earlier than white men<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More likely to have aggressive, fast-growing disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage because screening rates are low<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact reasons for this disparity are not fully understood but likely involve a combination of genetic factors, hormonal differences, dietary patterns, and critically <strong>lower rates of early screening and detection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes prostate screening not just recommended for Nigerian men over 40; it is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk increases significantly with age. Prostate cancer is rare before 40 but becomes increasingly common after that. The majority of diagnoses occur in men over 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Race and Ethnicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As discussed, Nigerian and African-descent men are at substantially higher risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Family History<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a first-degree relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer doubles your risk. Having two or more affected relatives raises risk further. A family history of <strong>breast cancer<\/strong> (particularly BRCA2 gene mutations) also significantly increases prostate cancer risk in men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diets high in red meat, processed meats, and saturated fat may increase prostate cancer risk. Diets rich in vegetables, particularly lycopene-containing foods like tomatoes, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish are associated with reduced risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Obesity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obese men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer and have worse outcomes after treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lack of Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Physical inactivity is associated with higher prostate cancer risk and poorer outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Symptoms: Why Most Men Have None Until It&#8217;s Late<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early prostate cancer confined within the prostate gland almost always causes <strong>no symptoms<\/strong>. This is the critical point that must be understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When symptoms do appear, they typically indicate either locally advanced disease (cancer spreading beyond the prostate) or a non-cancerous prostate condition like <strong>benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),<\/strong> simple prostate enlargement that is extremely common in older men and produces very similar symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urinary symptoms<\/strong> (which can indicate prostate cancer OR benign enlargement):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficulty starting urination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak or interrupted urine stream<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequent urination especially at night (nocturia)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent need to urinate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty after urinating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood in urine (haematuria)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood in semen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Symptoms of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer<\/strong> (cancer that has spread):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bone pain, particularly in the back, hips, pelvis, or thighs (prostate cancer commonly spreads to bone)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue and general weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swelling in the legs or pelvis (from lymph node involvement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty with erections (erectile dysfunction)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet (if cancer presses on the spinal cord, a medical emergency)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The critical message:<\/strong> Do not wait for symptoms before getting screened. By the time urinary symptoms or bone pain develop, cancer may already be advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) vs. Prostate Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many Nigerian men with urinary symptoms assume they have &#8220;prostate problems&#8221;, and many do, but most cases are <strong>benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)<\/strong>, not cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs naturally with age. It compresses the urethra, causing urinary symptoms. BPH does not become cancer, but it can coexist with cancer in the same prostate. Symptoms alone cannot distinguish BPH from prostate cancer. Testing is the only way to differentiate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prostate Cancer Screening: The Tests That Save Lives<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important prostate cancer screening test. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A blood sample measures PSA levels in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elevated PSA<\/strong> can indicate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prostate cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prostate infection (prostatitis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise before the test<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PSA is not a perfect test; it can be elevated for non-cancerous reasons (false positive) and can occasionally be normal despite cancer being present (false negative in some aggressive cancers). However, it remains the most accessible and useful tool for early detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PSA levels and general interpretation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PSA Level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Interpretation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Below 4 ng\/mL<\/td><td>Generally reassuring (but age-specific ranges matter)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 &#8211; 10 ng\/mL<\/td><td>Borderline &#8211; further investigation needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Above 10 ng\/mL<\/td><td>High &#8211; significant cancer risk; urgent investigation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: For Nigerian men who tend to develop cancer younger and more aggressively, some specialists recommend investigating PSA levels above 2.5-3 ng\/mL in younger men rather than waiting for the 4 ng\/mL threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the back surface of the prostate directly. A healthy prostate feels smooth and firm. A prostate with cancer may feel hard, irregular, or nodular. This examination takes less than a minute and is not painful, though it is uncomfortable for many men who are not accustomed to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DRE and PSA together are more accurate than either test alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>PSA Density and PSA Velocity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More sophisticated PSA analysis comparing PSA level to prostate size (density) or tracking how quickly PSA rises over time (velocity) helps distinguish cancer from BPH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>MRI of the Prostate (Multiparametric MRI)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A detailed imaging scan that visualises the prostate and identifies suspicious areas. Used when PSA is elevated and a biopsy is being considered. An MRI-guided biopsy is more accurate than a random biopsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prostate Biopsy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The definitive diagnostic test. Using ultrasound guidance, small tissue samples are taken from multiple areas of the prostate and examined under a microscope. Results include the <strong>Gleason score,<\/strong> a grading system that indicates how aggressive the cancer is. Higher Gleason scores indicate more aggressive disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/diagnostics\">Pretty Healthcare<\/a>, PSA testing is available. A simple blood draw that could detect prostate cancer early when it is most treatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Should Nigerian Men Start Screening?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the higher risk in men of African descent, Nigerian men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor earlier than general guidelines suggest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Group<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended Starting Age<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Average-risk Nigerian men<\/td><td><strong>Age 40<\/strong>,&nbsp; discuss PSA screening with your doctor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Men with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer<\/td><td><strong>Age 35 &#8211; 40<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Men with strong family history or known BRCA mutations<\/td><td><strong>Age 35<\/strong> or earlier, discuss with specialist<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the initial baseline PSA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If PSA is low and normal: repeat every 1-2 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If PSA is borderline: repeat every 6-12 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If PSA is elevated: further investigation with DRE, MRI, and possibly biopsy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, the man&#8217;s age, overall health, and personal preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Active Surveillance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, close monitoring with regular PSA tests, DRE, and repeat biopsies rather than immediate treatment. Appropriate for older men with low-grade, small-volume cancer. Avoids or delays treatment side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Surgery &#8211; Radical Prostatectomy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Complete surgical removal of the prostate gland. Can be done as open surgery or laparoscopic\/robotic surgery. Potential side effects include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, though these improve significantly with time and rehabilitation in many men. Best suited for younger, fit men with localised cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Radiotherapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">External beam radiation or brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate) destroys cancer cells. Can be used as an alternative to surgery for localised cancer, or in combination with hormone therapy for locally advanced cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy &#8211; ADT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer is fuelled by testosterone. ADT reduces testosterone levels, slowing cancer growth. Used for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, often alongside radiotherapy. Side effects include hot flushes, loss of libido, bone thinning, and muscle loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chemotherapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Used for metastatic prostate cancer that has become resistant to hormone therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bone-Directed Treatments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For cancer that has spread to bone, treatments to reduce bone pain and prevent fractures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prostate Cancer Myths Nigerian Men Believe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Only old men get prostate cancer.&#8221;<\/strong> False. Nigerian men develop prostate cancer at younger ages than men of other ethnicities. Men in their 40s and 50s are diagnosed regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;If I have no symptoms, I&#8217;m fine.&#8221;<\/strong> False. Early prostate cancer causes no symptoms. Symptoms appear only when the disease is already advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;The DRE is too embarrassing &#8211; I&#8217;ll skip it.&#8221;<\/strong> A one-minute examination could save your life. Any embarrassment is temporary. The consequences of late-stage prostate cancer are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Prostate cancer is a death sentence.&#8221;<\/strong> False. Early-stage prostate cancer has excellent survival rates above 95% at 5 years when caught locally. What makes it deadly is late diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Herbal treatments can cure prostate cancer.&#8221;<\/strong> No scientific evidence supports any herbal treatment for prostate cancer. Men who delay proven treatment for herbal alternatives lose the window of curability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods That May Help Protect the Prostate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While no food prevents prostate cancer with certainty, a diet rich in the following is associated with lower risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tomatoes and tomato-based foods<\/strong>: rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced prostate cancer risk. Tomato stew, tomato paste, and cooked tomatoes contain highly bioavailable lycopene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oily fish<\/strong>: mackerel, sardines, salmon &#8211; rich in omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cruciferous vegetables<\/strong>: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage contain sulforaphane, studied for cancer-preventive properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Green tea<\/strong>: contains polyphenols with anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soy foods<\/strong>: tofu and soy milk contain isoflavones associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in some studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce red meat and processed meats<\/strong>: associated with higher prostate cancer risk in multiple studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nigeria-Specific Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nigeria has the highest prostate cancer incidence rate in West Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vast majority of Nigerian men diagnosed with prostate cancer present at Stage 3 or Stage 4 when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, making curative treatment difficult or impossible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PSA testing is affordable and widely available across Nigerian diagnostic centres, yet uptake is very low<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many Nigerian men avoid prostate screening due to fear of the DRE, but PSA testing alone is a useful starting point even without DRE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prostate cancer treatment is available at major Nigerian teaching hospitals and selected private oncology centres, but late presentation significantly limits options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Nigerian Urological Association has called for increased prostate cancer awareness and screening programs targeting men over 40<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Who is most at risk?<\/strong><\/td><td>Nigerian men over 40 are at the highest risk of any group globally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Any symptoms?<\/strong><\/td><td>Usually none in early stage; screening is the only way to detect it<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Key screening test<\/strong><\/td><td>PSA blood test + Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>When to start screening<\/strong><\/td><td>Age 40 for average-risk Nigerian men; earlier with family history<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Most common late symptom<\/strong><\/td><td>Bone pain in back, hips, or pelvis<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Is it treatable?<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes &#8211; highly treatable when caught early<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Most important action<\/strong><\/td><td>Get a PSA test &#8211; do not wait for symptoms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer is the leading cancer killer of Nigerian men, and it does not have to be. A simple, affordable blood test can detect it early, when it is most treatable. Nigerian men over 40 have the highest risk of prostate cancer in the world, yet the lowest rates of screening. That gap is what kills people. Get your PSA tested. Tell your father, your brother, your husband, your friend. The conversation is not embarrassing. The disease caught late is devastating. Caught early, it is survivable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Book a PSA test at Pretty Healthcare, Ikeja, Lagos,<\/strong> at <a href=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/diagnostics\">prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/diagnostics<\/a> or chat with our health advisor on WhatsApp. Monday &#8211; Friday: 8am &#8211; 5pm | Saturday: 9am &#8211; 4pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1356,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-diagnostics","category-wellness","cs-entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pretty Healthcare Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/18cPYnVpda\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Clinic Staff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@prettyhealth_\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@prettyhealth_\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Clinic Staff\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Clinic Staff\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f8bf028d78f8229e8e83144d30277a1b\"},\"headline\":\"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2208,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostics\",\"Wellness\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/\",\"name\":\"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00\",\"description\":\"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Prostate Cancer\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/prostate-cancer\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Prettry Health Care\",\"description\":\"Nigeria&#039;s foremost preventive health &amp; wellness company.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"Prettry Health Care Limited\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Prettry Health Care\",\"alternateName\":\"Prettry Health Care Ltd\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/imgi_2_Group-20647.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/imgi_2_Group-20647.png\",\"width\":1440,\"height\":718,\"caption\":\"Prettry Health Care\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/share\\\/18cPYnVpda\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/prettyhealth_\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/prettyhealthcareltd\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/pretty-healthcare-limited\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f8bf028d78f8229e8e83144d30277a1b\",\"name\":\"Clinic Staff\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Clinic Staff\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\\\/blog\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know","description":"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know","og_description":"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men","og_url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/","og_site_name":"Pretty Healthcare Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/18cPYnVpda","article_published_time":"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Clinic Staff","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@prettyhealth_","twitter_site":"@prettyhealth_","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Clinic Staff","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/"},"author":{"name":"Clinic Staff","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/f8bf028d78f8229e8e83144d30277a1b"},"headline":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know","datePublished":"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/"},"wordCount":2208,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp","articleSection":["Diagnostics","Wellness"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/","url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/","name":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp","datePublished":"2026-10-04T11:28:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-04T11:30:11+00:00","description":"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Nigerian men. Yet it remains one of the most avoided health conversations in the country. Many Nigerian men","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/imgi_4_illustration-of-prostate-cancer-1190674442_hero.webp","width":1600,"height":800,"caption":"Prostate Cancer"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/prostate-cancer\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Prostate Cancer: What Every Nigerian Man Over 40 Must Know"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/","name":"Prettry Health Care","description":"Nigeria&#039;s foremost preventive health &amp; wellness company.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#organization"},"alternateName":"Prettry Health Care Limited","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#organization","name":"Prettry Health Care","alternateName":"Prettry Health Care Ltd","url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_2_Group-20647.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_2_Group-20647.png","width":1440,"height":718,"caption":"Prettry Health Care"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/18cPYnVpda","https:\/\/x.com\/prettyhealth_","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/prettyhealthcareltd","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/pretty-healthcare-limited\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/f8bf028d78f8229e8e83144d30277a1b","name":"Clinic Staff","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9859c53150c3b10833f9d3877f313a17b460f4ce99313becc42594c2c32d3a86?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Clinic Staff"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1355"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1358,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1355\/revisions\/1358"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prettyhealthcare.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}