Medical tourism may no longer be necessary for Nigerians as cutting-edge healthcare innovations continue to emerge locally.A prime example is The Prostate Centre (TPC), a specialist facility leveraging advanced robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer.
Within just one year of operation, the centre has successfully treated and saved the lives of 100 patients, positioning itself as a leader in modern urological care in Nigeria.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, TPC has recorded remarkable success, attracting patients from within Nigeria and abroad.
Its first anniversary celebration brought together survivors who shared compelling testimonies of recovery and renewed hope.
Retired Major General Enenche John Enenche recounted his journey from initial symptoms to recovery.
After years of ignoring warning signs, he eventually underwent a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which revealed a high level of 14.2, raising concerns about possible cancer.
Despite initial skepticism, his consultation with the founder of TPC, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, reassured him.“I was told I would not die and that my quality of life would be preserved.
That gave me confidence,” Enenche said.
He underwent a four-hour robotic surgery and described the experience as seamless.“I walked into the hospital and walked out. The procedure was successful, and my recovery was swift. The cost meant nothing compared to the life I gained,” he added.
For many survivors, the anniversary served not just as a celebration, but as a call to action. Enenche emphasized the dangers of late diagnosis.“Ignorance and late presentation are major reasons men die. If you are over 40, go for regular checks. That decision saved my life,” he advised.
Other patients shared similar experiences. Emmanuel Okolie, who travelled from Canada for treatment, cited trust and confidence in the centre’s expertise as his motivation.
“I chose to come to Nigeria despite delays abroad. The result justified my decision,” he said.Innocent Ihebuzor described life before surgery as difficult, with frequent urination disrupting his sleep.“After the surgery, everything returned to normal. My quality of life improved significantly,” he noted.
Additional testimonies from patients across Nigeria, Ghana, and Canada reinforced the centre’s growing international reputation.
Chairman of TPC, Francis Ogboro, described the milestone as significant.“We have treated 100 patients within one year. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering global standards locally,” he said.
He added that patient testimonials remain the centre’s strongest endorsement, reducing the need for traditional advertising.
Founder of the centre, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, highlighted prostate cancer as a major health challenge in Nigeria, particularly due to late diagnosis.“Over 80 per cent of Nigerian men present with advanced, often incurable stages of the disease.
This contrasts sharply with countries like the UK, where early detection is more common,” he explained.He stressed that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, while also addressing widespread misinformation about the disease.
“There is no proven diet or lifestyle that prevents prostate cancer. Risk factors include age, genetics, and ethnicity,” he said.
Ekwueme also warned against fear-driven delays in seeking treatment.“Many men fear losing sexual function, but the real risk is losing their lives. Modern techniques can preserve both life and dignity,” he stated.
He further emphasized that outdated practices, such as unnecessary removal of testicles, are no longer standard in modern prostate cancer care.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to become a hub for advanced medical treatment.“Patients now travel from countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the UK, and the United States to receive care here. Our goal is to eliminate the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad,” he said.
Ekwueme reaffirmed his commitment to improving prostate cancer outcomes in Nigeria, with plans to expand services nationwide.
Medical experts at the event concluded by urging increased awareness, early screening, and the rejection of myths surrounding prostate cancer, noting that fear, silence, and misinformation continue to drive late presentation in over 80 per cent of cases.