The National Coordinator of Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Programme, Dr. Uche Nwokwu, has suggested that regular ejaculation may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.
This statement comes amid viral online claims that men need to ejaculate 21 times a month to protect against the disease.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month in their 20s and 40s had a 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated only 4-7 times per month.
Dr. Nwokwu emphasized that the study showed associations rather than proven causation, and other risk factors such as age, family history, race, diet, obesity, and lifestyle must also be considered.
Prostate cancer is a significant health challenge in Nigeria, with over 18,000 new cases and more than 11,000 deaths recorded in 2022. Late detection, limited screening, and low awareness are key drivers of these outcomes.
Dr. Nwokwu stressed the importance of investing in local studies, expanding access to screening, and improving treatment facilities, while urging men to adopt healthier habits and rely on credible, evidence-based information.
Men are encouraged to adopt healthier habits, including regular ejaculation, to potentially reduce their risk of prostate cancer.
Regular screening and timely medical care remain essential for early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Nigerians are advised to rely on credible, evidence-based information and avoid misinformation that trivializes the seriousness of prostate cancer.
