Prostate cancer: It's a silent killer, especially for Black men, and the secrets families keep could be costing lives. A leading urologist is sounding the alarm: hiding your family's medical history from your children could drastically increase their risk of a late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis.
Professor Francis Chinegwundoh, a British-Nigerian Consultant Urological Surgeon based in London, passionately believes that open communication about family health is paramount, particularly when it comes to prostate cancer. He warns that secrecy can delay crucial early testing, potentially turning a treatable condition into a life-threatening one. But here's where it gets controversial... many families, especially within certain cultures, view discussing illnesses and causes of death as taboo. Is this cultural sensitivity worth the risk when lives are on the line?
Prostate cancer is a global health crisis. It's not just common; it's the most common cancer diagnosed in men worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among them. And the disparity is staggering: Black men face a significantly higher risk of both developing and dying from this disease. We're talking about a stark difference – a disproportionate burden that demands attention.
In an interview, Professor Chinegwundoh highlighted the insidious nature of prostate cancer. Many men can have the disease without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. That's why regular screening is absolutely vital for early detection. And this is the part most people miss...early detection dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and even a complete cure. The professor recommends that men begin screening at age 40.
"At 40 years of age. The reason is that you can have prostate cancer without any symptoms. In the UK, for example, I would say 80 to 90 per cent of men, when we find prostate cancer, it is still in the prostate. It has not spread anywhere. Based on this, we can cure those men," he stated, emphasizing that early diagnosis in the UK often means the cancer is still localized and treatable.
However, the situation in Nigeria, and many other parts of the world, paints a much grimmer picture. Professor Chinegwundoh explains that a vast majority of Nigerian patients arrive at the hospital when the cancer has already advanced significantly.
"Whereas in Nigeria, it is the opposite. About 80 to 90 per cent of men, by the time their cancer is diagnosed, it has already spread into the bones, into the pelvis, and into certain lymph glands," he lamented. This late presentation drastically reduces the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Why the difference? A lack of awareness, limited access to screening, and, crucially, a cultural reluctance to discuss family medical history all contribute to this disparity. And that hereditary link is stronger than many realize.
"One of the things we know about prostate cancer is that there is a hereditary element to it. So, if your father has prostate cancer, your risk is double. If your dad and maybe your brother have prostate cancer, your risk is quadrupled," Professor Chinegwundoh warned. The risk isn't just limited to the paternal side of the family, either.
He further explained that a history of breast or ovarian cancer on the mother's side also increases a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. "So, it’s very important to know your family history. Also, if it turns out that on your mother’s side, there is a history of breast cancer or cancer of the ovary, your risk as a male of getting prostate cancer is also high," he added. It's crucial to understand that these female cancers can indicate a genetic predisposition that also elevates prostate cancer risk in male relatives.
The surgeon expressed his deep concern over the cultural taboo surrounding causes of death in many African families. He shared a personal anecdote, recalling how, during his childhood, inquiries about the cause of death of family friends were often met with vague answers and silence.
"I emphasise this because when I was a child, various family friends would pass away. I would ask what they died from, and parents would say, 'I don’t know'. So, there’s secrecy as to what they died from," he recounted. This secrecy, while perhaps well-intentioned, ultimately deprives individuals of potentially life-saving information.
Professor Chinegwundoh passionately urged parents to break this cycle of silence and openly share their medical histories with their children. This knowledge empowers them to seek earlier screening and potentially avoid a late-stage diagnosis.
"I encourage people to share their family histories. As a parent, if you have cancer of this or cancer of that, tell your children so they can start getting themselves tested earlier than they might otherwise have done. Family history is very important," he emphasized.
Ultimately, Professor Chinegwundoh stressed that increased awareness, early testing, and open communication are the most effective weapons in the fight against prostate cancer, particularly in regions where late presentation is a significant problem. By breaking down the barriers of silence and encouraging proactive screening, we can save lives. What are your thoughts on this? Should families be more open about their medical histories, even if it goes against cultural norms? Do you think mandatory prostate cancer screening should be implemented, especially for high-risk groups? Share your opinions in the comments below!
