Medical consultants in Nigeria have emphasized the importance of early health screening for men, warning that delayed attention could allow cardiovascular and prostate diseases to progress unnoticed. The experts spoke during a webinar, “The Intentional Man: Taking Charge of Your Health,” organised by SYNLAB Nigeria as part of its health awareness and preventive healthcare initiatives. The webinar focused on cardiovascular and prostate health, with speakers stressing the need for men to understand their health risks and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Oladeji Olajide, highlighted that men generally have shorter life expectancies than women, partly due to poor healthcare-seeking behaviour and delayed medical attention. He identified hypertension, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, smoking, and obesity as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Olajide stressed that many cardiovascular deaths could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, regular screening, and early intervention.
Dr. Olajide urged men to be aware of their key health numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI). He described preventive healthcare as an act of responsibility rather than weakness. The cardiologist also explained the relationship between diabetes and hypertension, noting that diabetes could contribute to high blood pressure through damage to blood vessels and impaired kidney function.
Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Habibu Muhammad, called for greater awareness of prostate health, particularly among ageing men. He explained that prostate conditions, including benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis, and prostate cancer, become increasingly common as men grow older. Muhammad noted that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and could occur without obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages.
Dr. Muhammad encouraged men, especially those above 40 and those with a family history of prostate cancer or African ancestry, to discuss appropriate screening with their healthcare providers. He mentioned that Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination are among the tools that may be used in assessing prostate health. Muhammad emphasized that early detection provides an opportunity for timely medical intervention.
The webinar featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarification on various health topics, including blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and prostate health. The experts also discussed the relationship between prostate conditions and sexual performance, noting that prostate problems and some treatments could have implications for sexual function.
The webinar reinforced the need for men to move beyond the practice of waiting for symptoms before seeking medical attention. Participants were encouraged to know their health status, undergo appropriate screening, and make informed lifestyle choices to reduce preventable diseases and improve overall wellbeing. SYNLAB Nigeria, which organized the webinar, provides medical laboratory and diagnostic services in Nigeria and has more than 30 centres across 12 states.
Key points
- Medical experts urge Nigerian men to undergo regular medical screening and seek early medical intervention to prevent cardiovascular and prostate diseases.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and can occur without obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages.
- Early detection of prostate health issues provides an opportunity for timely medical intervention, and healthy living and regular medical check-ups can help men adopt a more proactive approach to their wellbeing.
