PROSTATE CANCER IN RURAL NIGERIA: DIMENSIONS, CULTURAL INTERPRETATIONS, COSTAND CARE

Abstract

In connection with the global prevalence of prostate cancer, the incidence of prostate cancer in Nigeria is an emerging burden that requires urgent attention. While most health policies have focused on the female gender and children, it has left most men at significant risk of health problems and challenges which are dire. In the general context of cancer and its predominance in the population of people aged 40 and over, middle aged and older men have been found to be increasingly at risk. Hence the paper examines the dimension of prostate cancer in rural Nigeria. Although socio-cultural and economic factors play significant role in the health-related decisions of the human population, the paper discusses the cultural interpretations associated with prostate cancer. It also engages previous studies being a review paper on the cost and care for people affected with the disease. In conclusion, the lack of commensurate coping resources, rural dwellers are disproportionally impacted, both by the disease and the socio-economic burdens of prostate cancer, hence the need for more policies/action to address prostate cancer prevalence and incidence in rural areas of Nigeria