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 help lower the risk of prostate cancer in men.
Nwokwu made this known on Sunday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), following viral social media claims suggesting that men need to ejaculate at least 21 times a month to prevent prostate cancer.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and the second most common overall, accounting for 14 per cent of the nation’s cancer burden. In 2022 alone, Nigeria recorded over 18,000 new cases and more than 11,000 deaths, making it one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men.
Nwokwu explained that lifestyle factors, including ejaculation frequency, could play a role in reducing risk. He referenced a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which found that men who reported 21 or more ejaculations per month in their 20s and 40s had a 20 per cent lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated only four to seven times monthly.
“Late diagnosis, limited screening, and low awareness remain major contributors to poor outcomes in Nigeria,” he said, stressing the need for men to embrace healthier lifestyles and regular medical check-ups.
Prostate cancer remains a growing global health concern, and experts continue to advocate for increased awareness, timely screening, and better access to treatment in order to reduce mortality rates.
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