The National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Uche Nwokwu has stated that frequent ejaculation may play a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria Nwokwu addressed widespread social media claims that men must ejaculate 21 times a month to prevent prostate cancer. He clarified that while research suggests a possible protective effect of frequent ejaculation, the figure being circulated should not be taken as a fixed medical prescription.
Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among men worldwide and is an increasing health challenge in Nigeria. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and the second most common cancer overall contributing 14 percent of the nation’s total cancer burden.
This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, early detection, and lifestyle practices that may lower the risk of prostate cancer among men in the country.
In 2022 Nigeria recorded over 18000 new cases of prostate cancer and more than 11000 deaths from the disease positioning it as one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among men in the country.
Experts note that late diagnosis limited access to screening services and low awareness are major factors responsible for the high mortality rate.
Dr Uche Nwokwu further explained that certain lifestyle choices including the frequency of ejaculation may play a role in lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Referring to a large scale 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dr Uche Nwokwu highlighted that men who reported 21 or more ejaculations per month in their 20s and 40s showed a lower likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
The study revealed that these men had about a 20 percent reduced risk when compared with those who ejaculated only four to seven times per month.
Dr Uche Nwokwu explained that research generally defines frequent ejaculation as more than 20 times per month and that higher frequencies have been linked to a greater potential reduction in prostate cancer risk.
He however cautioned that these studies only showed associations rather than direct cause and effect. He stressed that other important risk factors such as age, family history, race, diet, obesity, and overall lifestyle must also be taken into account. African and African American men in particular face a higher risk of developing more aggressive forms of the disease.
Nwokwu also noted that no such research has yet been carried out in Nigeria but global evidence consistently indicates that prostate cancer is more common and often more aggressive in Black men compared to Caucasians.
Dr Uche Nwokwu stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in local research, enhance early detection, and strengthen cancer treatment services, while also encouraging men to embrace healthier lifestyle habits.
He reminded the public that prevention and early detection are vital in saving lives, While lifestyle changes may lower risk, regular screening, and timely access to medical care remain the most reliable strategies against prostate cancer
Nwokwu further urged Nigerians to rely on evidence based information and to avoid misinformation that could downplay the seriousness of this major public health concern.
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