Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate and expert in political economy, has urged Nigerian men to prioritize their prostate health, expressing concern over the significant impact of prostate cancer on men in Nigeria. He made this call during the 2023 Men on Blue+ prostate cancer webinar, organized by Project PINK BLUE, Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity for Black Men Consortium, and JNC International to mark International Men’s Day. The webinar featured leading cancer scientists, health system experts, and stakeholders.

Utomi shared his personal experience with prostate cancer and highlighted the widespread lack of awareness about the disease. He emphasized the importance of creating strategies to increase awareness and understanding of prostate cancer among men. Utomi revealed that despite being vigilant about his health due to his father's passing from cancer at a young age, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels were found to be elevated during a medical checkup.

He underwent 45 sessions of radiotherapy, hormone treatment, and other medications, which led to a significant drop in his PSA levels. Utomi stressed the need for greater awareness and openness about prostate cancer, noting that many men are suffering from prostate-related issues but are reluctant to seek help, ultimately leading to avoidable deaths.

Clare Omatseye, CEO of JNCI International and Vice President of the African Healthcare Federation, highlighted the necessity for collaboration between the public and private sectors to make cancer treatment more affordable in Nigeria. She emphasized the financial challenges associated with setting up cancer treatment centers in Nigeria, citing the high costs and fees imposed by regulatory authorities, which ultimately burden cancer patients with additional expenses.

Professor Solomon Rotimi, a biochemistry expert at Covenant University, emphasized the alarming prevalence of prostate cancer in Nigerian men, citing statistics that revealed it as the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the country. He highlighted the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with prostate cancer, including age, race, smoking, obesity, stress, and sexual behavior.

Runcie Chidebe, the Executive Director of Project PINK BLUE, emphasized the need to raise awareness about prostate cancer and address the challenges faced by men battling the disease. He noted the lack of visibility of prostate cancer survivors in Nigeria and the misconception that cancer is predominantly a women's issue. Chidebe highlighted the Men on Blue initiative as a platform to advocate for better policies and increased awareness of prostate cancer among Nigerian men.

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