Prostate Cancer Management in Nigeria: A mini-review of up-to-date treatment options

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, being the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men. Despite recent improvements in cancer policies, registries, and selected diagnostic and treatment investments, access to timely, equitable, and guideline-concordant care remains limited. Current evidence indicates persistent late presentation, delays in diagnosis and staging, high out-of-pocket costs, and significant disparities in access to specialist services. Although curative treatments such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy are available in selected centres, many patients present with advanced disease or experience delays that limit their effectiveness. Consequently, androgen-deprivation therapy remains the predominant treatment modality. Improving outcomes requires strengthening the entire care pathway through early risk-based detection, efficient referral systems, faster pathology services, expanded financial protection, multidisciplinary management, and robust monitoring of treatment outcomes.