Dr. Uche Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has highlighted that frequent ejaculation may help reduce men’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Nwokwu made this known on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to viral social media claims suggesting that men need to ejaculate 21 times a month to prevent the disease.
Prostate cancer is among the deadliest cancers affecting men worldwide and remains a growing concern in Nigeria. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 shows that it is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and the second most common overall, accounting for 14 percent of the country’s cancer burden. In 2022 alone, over 18,000 new cases and more than 11,000 deaths were recorded. Late diagnosis, low awareness, and inadequate screening continue to drive poor outcomes.
Referencing a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Nwokwu explained that men who reported 21 or more ejaculations per month in their 20s and 40s were found to have a 20 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with only four to seven ejaculations monthly.
He clarified, however, that such studies show associations rather than direct causation. “Other risk factors such as age, family history, race—especially among African and African-American men—along with diet, obesity, and overall lifestyle must also be considered. Ejaculation is only one piece of a bigger picture,” he noted.
Nwokwu pointed out that no similar studies have been conducted in Nigeria, but global evidence consistently shows that prostate cancer is more common and more aggressive among Black men than among Caucasians.
He emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in local research, expand screening opportunities, and strengthen cancer care services, while also encouraging men to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“The key message is that prevention and early detection save lives. Lifestyle adjustments can help, but regular screening and timely medical care remain essential,” he stressed.
He further urged Nigerians to rely on credible, evidence-based information and to avoid misinformation that trivializes such a serious public health issue.