Experts have raised alarm over the growing burden of prostate enlargement and late prostate cancer diagnosis among Nigerian men, warning that delayed presentation is increasingly leading to severe complications, including kidney failure and preventable deaths. The concern was raised as The Prostate Clinic (TPC) marked its first anniversary in Lagos, with clinicians, survivors and patients highlighting both the scale of late-stage diagnosis in the country and the urgent need for early screening and access to advanced treatment.
Late Presentation Driving Complications
At the event, experts painted a troubling picture of prostate health in Nigeria, noting that many men still arrive for treatment when the disease has already advanced beyond curative options. They warned that untreated prostate enlargement can silently progress, obstruct urine flow and eventually damage the kidneys, contributing to rising cases of kidney failure among men. The gathering also doubled as a celebration of progress, as TPC recorded 100 successful robotic-assisted prostate surgeries within its first year of operation, while survivors shared testimonies of recovery and survival following treatment.
Founder Highlights High Late-Stage Rates
Founder of TPC, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, said Nigeria continues to record a high rate of late-stage prostate cancer presentation, stressing that this trend is driving avoidable deaths and severe complications among men. He said data from the clinic shows that over 80 per cent of Nigerian patients present with advanced prostate cancer, compared to significantly lower late-stage presentation rates in developed countries, where early detection is more common. Ekwueme said the clinic was established to close this gap by improving awareness, encouraging early screening, and expanding access to advanced treatment options within Nigeria.
Robotic Surgeries and International Reach
According to him, TPC has already performed 100 robotic-assisted surgeries within its first year, treating patients from Nigeria and several other countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. He added that some patients are able to receive treatment in Lagos and return to their countries within days, reflecting improved access to minimally invasive care. The founder also announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated robotic cancer centre in Imo State, which he said would integrate robotic surgery and radiotherapy within the same facility. He explained that the project, modelled after international standards, would reduce the need for patients to travel between different hospitals for cancer care.
Clinic Chairman Praises Milestone
TPC Chairman, Mr Francis Ogboro, described the first year as a milestone, noting that the clinic had successfully reached its 100th robotic patient and built a multidisciplinary team delivering world-class care. He said patients have become strong advocates of the clinic through their recovery stories and testimonies, adding that the success of TPC has been driven by teamwork and commitment to quality care.
Survivors Share Testimonies
Retired Major General John Enenche, one of the patients, described his experience as a “divine intervention,” saying early screening played a key role in detecting his condition. He said he underwent robotic surgery at TPC and was discharged within 48 hours, urging men above 40 years to undergo regular prostate checks. Enenche also warned against misinformation surrounding prostate disease, stressing that early medical evaluation remains critical to survival. Another patient, Mr Ben Alozie, said follow-up scans after treatment showed no residual cancer cells, describing his recovery as evidence that prostate cancer is not a death sentence when detected early. He said his journey reinforced the importance of early diagnosis and modern treatment, adding that timely intervention made a major difference for his outcome.
Call for Awareness and Screening
Medical experts at the event reiterated that late presentation remains a key driver of poor prostate cancer outcomes in Nigeria, calling for stronger awareness campaigns and wider access to screening services. They urged Nigerian men to prioritise routine testing and warned that many of the complications seen today, including kidney failure linked to prostate enlargement, are largely preventable with early detection and treatment.
