The Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (i-CCARE) Consortium for Black Men has urged men aged 45 and above to undergo routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing.
The consortium said regular screening remained vital for the early detection and successful treatment of prostate cancer, the leading cancer affecting men.
Dr Ayodeji Ogunmola, Team Leader and Principal Investigator of i-CCARE at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, made the appeal on Monday.
He spoke during the sixth monthly Prostate Cancer Patients’ Support Group Meeting held at the hospital in Lokoja.
Ogunmola, a consultant urologist, described early diagnosis as the most effective way to improve survival and treatment outcomes among prostate cancer patients.
He said prostate cancer remained the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths within the group.
“I encourage men aged 45 and above to go for routine PSA testing and those with abnormal values should see their doctors,” Ogunmola said.
He explained that PSA screening identifies men at greater risk, enabling doctors to conduct confirmatory investigations before commencing appropriate treatment.
According to him, the monthly support group forms part of an ongoing research project jointly sponsored by i-CCARE, the Urology Unit of FTH Lokoja and the Cancer of the Prostate Transatlantic Consortium.
He said both organisations were established by Prof. Folakemi Odedina, a professor of haemato-oncology at the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
Ogunmola explained that the research examines how patient support groups improve quality of life while reducing anxiety, depression and treatment dropout rates.
“The research is designed to assess how support groups influence quality of life and help lower anxiety, depression, and dropout rates among prostate cancer patients,” he said.
He noted that participation had increased steadily since the programme began in February 2026, with many patients now attending voluntarily.
According to him, the growing attendance demonstrates that the stigma and silence traditionally associated with prostate cancer are gradually diminishing.
“This shows that stigma and silence long associated with the illness are gradually breaking down.
“We are combating misinformation and overcoming stigma. Many men do not want people to know what they are going through,” he said.
Ogunmola revealed that some participants make considerable financial sacrifices to attend the monthly meetings and appealed for support for economically disadvantaged patients.
He also commended the management of FTH Lokoja, led by Prof. Abdulrahman Shehu, for providing a conducive environment for the support group sessions.
The urologist further encouraged patients to enrol in the Social Determinants of Health programme under the National Cancer Care Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Delivering a lecture, Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr Abimbola Adesanya, highlighted the importance of strong social networks during prostate cancer treatment.
Speaking on ‘Strengthening Social Connections and Networks During Prostate Cancer Treatment’, she stressed the value of families, friends and healthcare professionals.
Adesanya said religious institutions, communities and support groups also played significant roles in helping patients cope with diagnosis and treatment.
According to her, support groups reduce stigma, promote information sharing and encourage patients to maintain a positive attitude throughout their treatment journey.
Patients attending the meeting praised the organisers for providing valuable education and emotional support through the monthly sessions.
They said the meetings had improved their understanding of prostate cancer and strengthened their ability to manage their health effectively.
The participants also stressed that their diagnosis had not prevented them from remaining active and pursuing normal daily activities.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of free T-shirts to members who had maintained consistent attendance at the monthly support group sessions. NAN