By Stephen Adeleye
The Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (i-CCaRE) Consortium for Black Men in collaboration with the Urology Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja, has held its sixth monthly support group meeting for prostate cancer patients.
The monthly initiative forms part of a research programme supported by iCCaRE for Black Men and the Cancer of the Prostate Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) — both bodies established by Prof. Folakemi Odedina, a hemato-oncology professor at the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
The work is designed to assess how support groups influence quality of life and help lower anxiety, depression, and dropout rates among prostate cancer patients receiving treatment.
During the gathering, participants recited their rallying slogan: “United Together! We Stand Strong, We Support Each Other! Together in the Fight, Together in Life.”
As a highlight of the day’s session, members who had shown consistent attendance at previous meetings were rewarded with free T-shirts.
Dr. Ayodeji Ogunmola, Team Leader and Principal Investigator of i-CCARE at FTH Lokoja, said the initiative was making a real difference for patients confronting the disease.
He noted that the programme has grown steadily since its inaugural session in February 2026, with patients now attending on their own initiative rather than needing reminders — a sign, he said, that the stigma and silence long associated with the illness are gradually breaking down.
“We are combating misinformation and overcoming stigma. Many men do not want people to know what they are going through,” he said.
Ogunmola encouraged men aged 45 and above to go for routine PSA testing and those with abnormal values should see their doctors.
He described prostate cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in that group, stressing that early diagnosis remains life-saving.
He also acknowledged that some patients make financial sacrifices just to attend the sessions each month and appealed for support for those struggling economically.
Ogunmola further expressed appreciation to the FTH Lokoja management, ably led by Prof. Abdulrahman Shehu, for providing an enabling environment to hold monthly meetings and for allowing research activities to flourish in the hospital.
He further encouraged cancer patients to take part in the Social Determinants of Health program of the National Cancer Care Programme (NCCP) currently been run by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in which Prof. Odedina is also playing an active role.
Dr. Abimbola Adesanya, a Consultant Public Health Physician, gave a talk titled: “Strengthening Social Connections and Networks During Prostate Cancer Treatment,” highlighting family, friends, religious institutions, community networks, and healthcare workers as essential pillars of support.
She noted that such groups allow patients to move past stigma, exchange useful information, and maintain a positive outlook, adding that participants have reported a stronger grasp of their condition and better social connections as a result.
Patients at the meeting praised the organisers, saying the sessions have expanded their understanding of the disease and helped them manage their health more effectively.
They further noted that their diagnosis and ongoing treatment have not held them back from staying active, and that they look forward eagerly to each subsequent meeting.
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