The Urology Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, has inaugurated its maiden Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting to improve the quality of life of patients living with prostate cancer.
The initiative is supported by the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (i-CARE) Consortium for Black Men and includes a research component to examine the incidence of anxiety and depression, as well as assess the quality of life of patients.
Prostate cancer disproportionately 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 is estimated to develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, compared to one in eight men in the general population.
Dr Ayodeji Ogunmola, Team Leader and Principal Investigator of i-CARE at FTH Lokoja, said the support group would help improve patients’ clinical attendance and overall wellbeing.
He noted that the meeting followed a summit held on Nov. 11, 2025, which brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling prostate cancer in Kogi State.
The urologist emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups, particularly for men aged 45 years and above, to enable early detection of prostate cancer.
Ogunmola urged participants to share their experiences and support one another, promoting a culture of openness, awareness and mutual encouragement.
He called on Nigerians, especially men, to prioritize their health by undergoing routine medical screening, noting that late presentation remains a major factor contributing to poor outcomes.
The urologist attributed the high incidence of prostate cancer partly to poor awareness and the lack of regular health checks among men.
Ogunmola said the support group would meet monthly to raise awareness and promote men’s health, encouraging patients to ask questions freely and express their concerns without fear or stigma.
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 of the state, including doctors, health experts and prostate cancer patients.
Dr Taiwo Jones, Site Principal Investigator of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC), said the forum would provide a safe space for patients to share experiences, access information and receive psychosocial support.
Activities at the meeting included lectures, free serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, access to urologists, caregiver training and opportunities for peer interaction.
The programme also featured discussions on clinical and psychological challenges associated with prostate cancer and highlighted the importance of support systems for affected men.
Some participants, including Prof. John Bolarin and Mr Joseph Titus, expressed appreciation to the hospital for organizing the event, saying it had helped them better manage their condition and lifestyle.
The i-CARE Consortium, founded by Prof. Folake Odediran, aims to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on Black men through research, education and patient support.
