A Consultant Urologist, Dr Rufus Ojewola, has underscored the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in the treatment of diseases, particularly prostate cancer, to achieve better health outcomes.
Ojewola, an Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
He explained that effective diagnosis, treatment and management of prostate diseases required the services of specialists across different branches of medicine.
According to him, healthcare professionals such as urologists, haematologists, radiologists, laboratory scientists, radiographers and pathologists all play critical roles in prostate cancer management.
“It takes more than one specialist to diagnose, treat and manage a patient with prostate disease.
“Sometimes, there is a need to send samples to the laboratory or request radiological evaluations such as ultrasound and other imaging studies to obtain complete information for proper treatment.
“This collaborative model ensures comprehensive treatment planning from diagnosis through surveillance or active intervention, reducing treatment bias and improving patient satisfaction and outcomes,” he said.
Ojewola called for increased awareness about prostate diseases, which he described as increasingly common, urging men to undergo regular screening.
He also dismissed misconceptions linking frequent sexual activity to reduced risk of prostate cancer.
“There have been insinuations and misconceptions about prostate cancer. Some people attribute it to spiritual attacks, multiple sexual partners and sexually transmitted diseases, but scientifically, these are not true,” he said.
According to him, the major risk factors for prostate cancer include ageing, race and heredity.
“Prostate cancer is more common in black men than in men of other races, and it can also run in families,” he added.
Also speaking, a Laboratory Scientist and Managing Partner at ISN Medicals Nigeria Ltd., Mr Adisa Adeleke, advised men to seek medical attention early for prostate-related conditions.
Adeleke said early detection remained critical to successful treatment and management of the disease.
“Prostate cancer, when detected early and properly managed, has about a 95 per cent survival rate,” he said.
He urged men above 40 years to undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for early detection and proper management of prostate disorders.(NAN)
