A public health and health insurance expert, Dr. Sandra Nnamani, has called on men to adopt preventive healthcare practices and undergo regular screenings to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other chronic conditions.
Dr. Nnamani, who serves as the Assistant General Manager at Anchor HMO International Company Ltd., made the call on Friday during CWAY Water Ltd.’s Men’s Day event in Lagos.
She explained that prostate cancer, which develops in the prostate gland—a small walnut-shaped organ that produces seminal fluid—has become increasingly common among men, especially with age.
“Prostate cancer symptoms can include difficulty urinating, reduced urine flow, blood in urine or semen, abdominal pain, and in advanced cases, bone pain, weight loss, or erectile dysfunction,” she said.
Dr. Nnamani identified age, family history, obesity, smoking, and being of Black ethnicity as major risk factors for prostate cancer.
She advocated for active surveillance as a key management strategy, especially for early-stage or slow-growing cancers.
“Active surveillance involves regular screenings, scans, and biopsies—typically every one to three years—to monitor cancer progression,” she noted.
“If the cancer remains confined to the prostate and isn’t causing symptoms, this method is highly effective.”
She added that other treatment options include radiotherapy, immunotherapy, brachytherapy, and prostatectomy, depending on the stage and progression of the disease.
Dr. Nnamani urged men to leverage annual health checks offered by employers through Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“Men should undergo regular prostate screenings, stop smoking, and adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Beyond daily responsibilities, they must start prioritizing their health,” she said.
She further encouraged men to maintain a healthy weight and consult with their doctors if they are at higher risk.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Human Resource Manager at CWAY Water, Mr. Francis Chukwuemezie emphasized the need to amplify men’s health awareness.
“Too often, Nigerian men become so engrossed in providing for their families that they neglect their own health. This event is designed to change that mindset,” he said.
Chukwuemezie expressed hope that the conversation would encourage more men to take charge of their well-being and not wait until symptoms become severe.
“The essence is to celebrate men and spotlight the importance of preventive healthcare. Men often overlook themselves while fulfilling their family duties, and that has to change,” he added.
Mr. Gordian Azolum, Senior Factory Manager at CWAY Water, hailed the event as a milestone in promoting men’s health, especially around silent illnesses like prostate cancer.
“Men often suffer in silence. Many don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late. Today’s talk was very enlightening and timely,” he said.
Azolum reiterated CWAY’s commitment to both workplace safety and the health and well-being of its staff, pledging more initiatives to ensure employee wellness.
