As prostate cancer rates rise sharply in Nigeria, government- run hospitals are struggling to manage the influx of patients. Facilities like the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) have become overwhelmed with men seeking treatment. With only 260 registered urologists nationwide, the strain on the healthcare system is evident, as these hospitals see hundreds of cases weekly.
Prostate cancer, which often presents with symptoms like frequent urination and blood in the urine, predominantly affects men over 50. However, recent trends show cases in men as young as 36. The prostate- specific antigen (PSA) test has improved early detection rates, yet limited resources and long wait times hinder timely treatment.
A primary factor driving the increase in diagnosed cases is heightened awareness. Men are now more informed about prostate health, leading to early testing. Dr. Rufus Ojewola, a consultant urologist at LUTH, noted that the PSA test allows for early diagnosis, often before symptoms appear. The test has improved survival rates, as early treatment can cure prostate cancer. However, delays remain a significant issue, with patients waiting hours— or even weeks— to see specialists.
At LUTH and LASUTH, waiting rooms are often filled to capacity. For example, Mr. Habeeb Adedayo, a patient at LASUTH, arrived early but faced a long wait alongside dozens of other men. This crowded scene is not unique to LASUTH; other hospitals report similar situations. Dr. Kehinde Apata, a consultant urologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute- Metta, stated that his clinic recently recorded over 120 patients in a single day, with about 40 new referrals.
As Nigeria' s population grows, so does the demand for urological care. Professor Stephen Ikuerowo, a urology expert at LASUTH, attributes the increase to not only population growth but also to patients traveling from other states. This surge has forced hospitals to expand services and establish multiple clinic locations. Despite these efforts, the specialist- to- patient ratio remains concerningly low. Nigeria' s population exceeds 230 million, yet the country has only about 260 urologists— a ratio of one urologist per 800, 000 people.
The high cost of prostate cancer treatment is also a burden. Radical surgery can cost between ₦500, 000 and ₦1, 000, 000 in public hospitals, with private facilities charging up to ₦4 million. Radiotherapy costs are similarly high, ranging from ₦1. 6 million to ₦2 million. These costs are prohibitive for many Nigerians, especially given the limited availability of advanced surgical options like robotic- assisted procedures, which are not currently available in the country.
The " Japa" migration trend— where healthcare professionals leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad— has exacerbated the issue. According to Prof. Nuhu Dakum, president of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons, the migration of urologists has left the remaining specialists overburdened. Consequently, some clinics must limit the number of patients they accept to maintain quality care.
To address this crisis, experts call for government intervention. Subsidizing treatment costs and increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure could alleviate some of the burdens faced by both patients and healthcare providers. While awareness and early detection have improved, Nigeria' s healthcare system must adapt quickly to manage the growing demand for prostate cancer care.
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