By Rukayat Moisemhe

Dr Sandra Nnamani, a public health expert, has urged men on preventive measures and active surveillance to mitigate prostate cancer risks and other health concerns.

Nnamani, Assistant General Manager,  Anchor HMO International Company Ltd., said this at the CWAY water Ltd., Men’s Day event on Friday in Lagos.

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

The health expert listed its symptoms to include trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in urine and semen and abdominal pain.

She stated that in advanced cases, symptoms such as bone pain, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction among others presented themselves.

Nnamani stated that prostate cancer risk factors for men were old age, black race, family history, obesity and smoking.

She, however, said the disease could be managed by active surveillance.

According to her, with this approach, men get screenings, scans and biopsies every one to three years to monitor cancer development and growth.

“Active surveillance works best if the cancer is only in the prostate, slow-growing and not causing symptoms.

“Other processes to address same may be radiotherapy, immunotherapy, brachytherapy and prostatectomy,” she said.

Nnamani noted that to support prostate cancer prevention, men must embrace annual checks provided by their companies in collaboration with their Health Maintenance Organisations.

She added that men must get regular prostate screening, quit smoking, choose a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“Beyond the everyday hustle and bills, men must begin to take care of themselves and take advantage of the medical insurance their workplaces provide.

“It is also important for men to maintain
a healthy weight and talk to their doctors about increased risk of prostate cancer,” she said.

Mr Francis Chukwuemezie, Senior Human Resource Manager, Cway water, said the event was to amplify awareness for men’s health and to encourage more men to get invested in their health outcomes.

Chukwuemezie noted that the average Nigerian man was so carried away with working hard to provide for the home front that they forget to look after themselves in doing so.

He expressed hope that with the charge at the event, more men would begin to pay attention to their health and not wait for the inevitable before taking action.

“The essence is to celebrate men and bring to notice the importance of men checking themselves as men can get carried away with the core responsibility of providing for the family and forget to check themselves.

“At Cway, the effort of every man is celebrated and we have set the day aside to talk, take care of ourselves and ensure that we eliminate completely diseases that are preventable,” he said.

Mr Gordian Azolum, Senior Factory Manager, Cway water, noted that the maiden event by the company showed that men’s health which before now was not very openly discussed had now gained awareness.

Azolum said the topic on prostate was very enlightening as some men may be suffering without their knowledge, saying the onset of the disease maybe with without symptoms.

He also restated the company’s commitment to not just work environment safety but the health safety of its member of staff.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma