A quiet epidemic is ravaging the male population of West Africa. Data released by Kelina Hospital in Lagos reveals a startling spike in prostate cancer surgeries, with 212 procedures performed in 2025 alone. The numbers are a wake-up call for a continent where men’s health is often shrouded in silence and stigma.

The hospital’s report indicates that many of these cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and survival rates. Prostate cancer is now the second most common cancer among men globally, but for Black men, the risk is significantly higher due to genetic factors. The "silent killer" is claiming breadwinners in their prime, devastating families and draining economic resources.

"Men Are Dying of Ignorance"

"We are seeing patients as young as 45 presenting with aggressive tumors," said Dr. Celsus Undie, the Medical Director at Kelina. "The tragedy is that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Men are dying not just of the disease, but of ignorance and fear of the screening process."

The surge in surgeries also points to a positive trend: increased awareness and better access to specialized care. Just a decade ago, many of these men would have died undiagnosed in their villages. Today, with advanced urological centers like Kelina offering minimally invasive surgeries (HoLEP), there is hope.

• The Statistics: 212 surgeries in one facility in one year is a record high. Extrapolated across the region, this suggests tens of thousands of cases going untreated.
• The Kenyan Connection: The situation in Lagos mirrors Nairobi, where urologists report a similar uptick in cases. The shared genetic heritage of African populations means this is a continental crisis requiring a continental response.
• The Call to Action: Health experts are urging men over 40 to undergo annual PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests. "It is a simple blood test," Dr. Undie emphasized. "Five minutes can save your life."

Breaking the Taboo

Culturally, discussions about reproductive health and "below the belt" issues are taboo for many African men. This machismo is lethal. Public health campaigns are now shifting focus to demystify the disease and encourage open conversations between fathers and sons.

As the Lagos data rings the alarm, governments across Africa must prioritize men’s health in their non-communicable disease strategies. We cannot build prosperous nations if the builders are dying preventable deaths.