By Bala Goje
The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Gusau, Professor Ismaila Mungadi, has called on men aged 50 and above to break the silence on prostate and urinary health issues by seeking early medical evaluation when symptoms arise.
He made the appeal during a public lecture organized by the College in Zamfara State.
Delivering a lecture titled “Breaking the Silence: Understanding Prostate Health and Urinary Issues,” Professor Mungadi said prostate enlargement—whether benign or cancerous—affects most men as they age, stressing that early presentation at health facilities significantly improves treatment outcomes.
He urged men not to ignore urinary symptoms, especially frequent urination, waking up more than twice at night to urinate, difficulty starting urination, straining, inability to hold urine, blood in urine, and involuntary leakage, particularly during sleep.
According to him, if such symptoms are new and not linked to diabetes, medications, or excessive intake of fluids, alcohol, or coffee, individuals should promptly consult their doctors for proper evaluation.
On prevention, Professor Mungadi explained that while risk factors such as age, race, and family history cannot be changed, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding toxins, and preventing obesity can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
He advised men with a family history of prostate problems to begin discussions with healthcare professionals between ages 40 and 45 to make informed decisions, adding that routine screening for men above 70 years without symptoms may not be necessary.
Professor Mungadi disclosed that prostate cancer remains the most common male cancer in Nigeria, although it ranks second to bladder cancer in some regions such as Sokoto. He called for more localized research in states including Zamfara.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau, expressed gratitude for the recognition of his service and highlighted the steady establishment of the College of Health Sciences.
He urged his successor to sustain the progress made, while the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Birnin Kebbi, represented by Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi Tsafe, described the lecture as timely and impactful.
