The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Professor Ismaila Mungadi, has called on men, particularly those aged 50 years and above to break the culture of silence surrounding prostate and urinary health issues and seek early medical evaluation when symptoms arise.
Professor Mungadi made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Breaking the Silence: Understanding Prostate Health and Urinary Issues” during the maiden public lecture organised by the College of Health Sciences, FUGUS, in Zamfara State.
He explained that prostate enlargement, whether benign or malignant, is a condition that affects almost all men if they live long enough, stressing that early presentation at health facilities significantly improves treatment outcomes.
“We want people not to keep urinary symptoms to themselves but to come forward for evaluation and treatment. Men need to understand the meaning of these symptoms, especially from the age of 50 and above,” he said.
Professor Mungadi identified common urinary symptoms that should prompt medical attention to include frequent urination especially waking up more than twice at night, difficulty initiating urination, straining to pass urine, inability to hold urine, blood in urine, and involuntary leakage of urine, particularly during sleep.
“If these symptoms are new and not explained by diabetes, medications, or excessive intake of fluids, alcohol, or coffee, such individuals should discuss them with their doctors,” he advised.
On prevention, the urologist noted that, while some risk factors such as age, race, and family history are not modifiable, others can be managed.
“Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding toxins, exercising regularly, and preventing obesity can help reduce the risk or delay the trigger for prostate cancer,” he explained.
He further advised men with a family history of prostate problems to begin discussions with their doctors from the age of 40 to 45, not necessarily for immediate screening, but to make informed decisions jointly with healthcare professionals.
Professor Samaila Mungadi however, cautioned that, routine screening for men above 70 years without symptoms may not be necessary.
On statistics, Professor Mungadi revealed that, prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Nigeria, though regional variations exist.
“Nationwide, prostate cancer ranks as the most common male cancer. In some regions, like Sokoto, it currently ranks second to bladder cancer,” he noted, adding that there is a need for more localized research in states such as Zamfara.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Professor Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau, expressed gratitude and fulfillment over the recognition accorded him for his years of service and leadership of the institution.
Professor Gusau described the establishment of the College of Health Sciences as a remarkable journey, noting that the initiative began quietly when many were not even aware of its existence.
“We started the College of Health Sciences when people were not even aware of it. We worked silently and steadily until the stage when admission could commence”
He explained that, the maiden public lecture organized by the College was initially planned long before but was eventually adopted as part of activities celebrating his contributions to the growth of the university, particularly the successful establishment of the College of Health Sciences.
While appreciating the honour, the Vice-Chancellor humbly noted that, he was merely carrying out his responsibilities.
“I will not stop people from celebrating, but the truth is that I was only doing my job. I came to Federal University Gusau, saw the challenges on ground, and today I am pleased that the status of the university has been uplifted,” he stated.
Professor Gusau advised the incoming Vice-Chancellor to sustain existing security strategies and build on the foundations already laid.
“My advice is simple: keep the tempo. Most of the difficult work has already been done. What remains is consolidation, and by the grace of Allah, he will succeed,” he said.
He expressed confidence that, the university would continue to grow and remain resilient in the face of challenges, while reaffirming his satisfaction at leaving the institution in a better state than he met it.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Birnin Kebbi, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, Professor Ibrahim Abdullahi Tsafe, described the lecture as timely and impactful, praising Professor Mungadi as an erudite scholar with vast contributions to urology.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
