In Nigeria, a growing number of men are dying prematurely, a trend experts say is linked to a lack of awareness and regular medical check‑ups. The Vanguard News report highlights a range of common male health problems and offers practical steps to detect and manage them early.
Testicular cancer is the most frequent cancer in men aged 20 to 35. Any lump or abnormality in the testicles should be examined promptly, as early treatment is far more effective. The report notes that most lumps are benign but stresses urgent medical attention for any suspicious changes.
Abdominal obesity, affecting 30 % of adult men, releases toxins that raise the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It also increases the likelihood of bowel and pancreatic cancers. The article cites the National Obesity Forum as a resource for further information.
Other conditions that can signal serious health issues include an enlarged prostate, which can obstruct urine flow and may indicate prostate disease or cancer; erectile dysfunction, which can be an early warning of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure; and strokes, the leading cause of death. Researchers at the University of East Anglia warn that even mild hypertension can double stroke risk in younger and middle‑aged men.
Preventive measures are highlighted throughout the piece. A diet rich in folate—found in fortified cereals, brown rice, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and oranges—may reduce stroke risk. Regular dental care is also recommended; a study of 100,000 people found that annual tooth cleaning lowered heart attack risk by 24 % and stroke risk by 13 %. For diabetes, lifestyle changes such as monitoring waist circumference, eating fibre‑rich foods like walnuts and whole‑grain bread, and managing stress can delay or prevent up to 80 % of cases.
The article advises men to monitor moles for changes in colour, shape, itchiness or bleeding, and to seek medical review if any alterations occur. By adopting these self‑care practices and seeking timely medical advice, Nigerian men can address the most common health threats before they become life‑threatening.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
