Two decades after its establishment, the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CAPTC@20) has renewed its warning about the growing impact of prostate cancer on African men, describing the disease as a “silent killer” that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

At its 20th anniversary celebration in Lagos, health experts, cancer survivors, and policymakers came together to raise awareness and push for urgent reforms

A Professor of Haematology and Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, United States of America, Prof. Folakemi Odedina, lamented the continuing disparities in survival outcomes between African men and their counterparts in Europe and North America.

“African men are still more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage and more likely to die from prostate cancer than their counterparts in Europe or North America,” she said. “Behind every statistic is a family shattered. A father gone too soon, a husband lost, a breadwinner taken away. That is why we cannot relent. Our mission is not just about science, it is about saving families from needless pain.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among men in sub-Saharan Africa, with rising incidence and mortality rates. Despite this, screening and treatment options remain limited, while stigma and low awareness prevent many men from seeking help until it is too late.

Prof. Odedina emphasised that CAPTC’s next phase will focus on grooming a “Next Generation” of African researchers, clinicians, and advocates to sustain the mission.

“Our goal is formidable: to eradicate prostate cancer in men of African ancestry. It will take research, policy, and community action working hand in hand. The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost,” she declared. “Yes, we have received more than $50 million in funding to publish research and push discoveries, and by the grace of God, we are proud of our achievements. But this anniversary is not only a time to look back; it is also a moment to ask what we will do in the next 20 years. Because if African men are still dying in their prime, then our work is far from over.”

She stressed that awareness remains central, “If a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer early, that man can be treated and cured. Education is the key. But when he is diagnosed, we must also ensure better treatment. The reality is that therapies that work well in the West may not fit in sub-Saharan Africa. Our men deserve tailor-made treatment strategies, culturally sensitive interventions, and community support. This is doable, but only if we come together. And that is exactly what CAPTC represents.”

In his keynote address, Prof. Clayton Yate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA, applauded the consortium’s contributions but issued a stern reminder.

A tragic event unfolded on Monday, July 28, in the Itasin-Imobi community of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Ogun State, when a stray elephant attacked and killed a local farmer, Musa Kalamu.

According to local reports, the elephant is believed to have wandered out of a nearby government-reserved forest before invading Kalamu’s farmland. What began as a routine day quickly turned deadly when the wild animal launched a violent and unprovoked attack, leaving the farmer fatally injured.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific and chaotic, recounting how the massive animal inflicted severe injuries on Kalamu, who had no chance to defend himself.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the state Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, said;

“Yes, we are aware, and we are already on our way to the community.”

Also confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said

“The DPO Ogbere received information from Itasin community on 28/07/2025 at about 1620hrs that elephants escaped from government reserve and attacked one Musa Kalamu, who died on the way to the hospital.

Officers of Ogun State Forestry were contacted to curtail the animals from further damage. Calm has returned to the community.”

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the tragic incident involved a speeding Mercedes-Benz truck (registration number NNE893ZG) which reportedly suffered a brake failure.

The truck collided with a Honda motorcycle and a Qlink motorcycle, leading to the fatal outcome.

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs. Joyce Alexander, confirmed the incident on Saturday in Awka. She stated that emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to rescue the injured and evacuate the deceased.

Eyewitness accounts indicated the truck was moving at high speed before losing its brakes and plowing into other road users.

“A total of 10 individuals were involved in the crash—four male adults, a female adult, three male children and 2 female children, were involved in the incident,” Alexander said.

She added, “Five persons including two men and three children were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries.”

FRSC personnel arrived at the scene about 31 minutes after receiving a distress call, she said, noting that they helped manage the traffic situation and visited hospitals where the victims were taken for treatment.

Alexander explained that six victims were taken to the Anglican Diocesan Hospital in Amichi. Of these, three were already deceased on arrival, one died shortly after, and two others were undergoing treatment.

At another medical facility, Pat Angelina Hospital, also in Amichi, four injured individuals were admitted. One of them—a male adult—later died, while the rest are reportedly responding well to treatment.

The Sector Commander extended her sympathies to the affected families and urged motorists to be vigilant and responsible on the road.

“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the necessity to obey traffic rules and regulations. Vehicles should be well maintained to prevent malfunctioning that invariably leads to crashes.

“We urge all road users to exercise caution and patience while driving to prevent such incidents in the future,” she said.