Western Africa has been reported to occupy the status of being a region with the fifth-highest burden for prostate cancer mortality in the world. Out of the 16 countries there, Nigeria has the largest population and economy; likewise, it is where prostate cancer is both very common and has the most deadly cancer – could this be put down to heavy mobile phone usage?

Considering that 32.8 cases and 16.3 deaths per 100,000 men have been recorded here, the country’s prostate cancer mortality rate is reported to be more than double that of North America, with an alarming 80 percent of Nigerians diagnosed with the disease deemed incurable at the time of diagnosis. Could the exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from wireless devices be intensifying this crisis?

To get a better understanding of factors that quicken the growth of this notable cancer in Nigerian men, Meiza Nigeria looked elsewhere, specifically Sweden, in a new study published in the Fortune Journal of Health Sciences by Dr. Lennart Hardell and researcher Michael Carlberg.

A recent study published in the Fortune Journal of Health Sciences by Swedish researchers Dr. Lennart Hardell and Michael Carlberg has drawn attention to the potential link between mobile phone radiation and prostate cancer.

Mobile phone penetration data already shows Nigeria leading the continent, boasting an 85 percent usage and where 92 percent of adult males own a phone.

The research findings from the Sweden-based duo, published on 3 April 2025, raise important questions about the impact of prolonged wireless exposure on prostate health. Perhaps, a health-focused change may start from there.

A line linking prostate cancer

Hardell and Carlberg’s research builds on growing concerns about the effects of RF radiation on human health. Their study revealed an increased risk of prostate cancer among men with extensive mobile phone usage, particularly those who had used cell phones for over 10 years or logged more than 2,000 hours of exposure.

However, one of their most striking findings showed that men with a family history of prostate cancer who also used wireless phones faced the highest risk. This included both mobile phones and cordless phones, further emphasising the potential dangers of long-term RF exposure.

The study also indicated that patients diagnosed with aggressive forms of prostate cancer exhibited notably higher exposure to wireless radiation. This correlation suggests that RF radiation may not only contribute to the development of prostate cancer but also accelerate its progression in those already affected.

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Showing a global link, findings from the Sweden study are in alignment with a large UK study that similarly connected prostate cancer to prolonged cell phone use.

Additionally, the results parallel research from the U.S. National Toxicology Programme, where male rats exposed to cell phone radiation developed brain and heart tumours, as well as proliferative lesions in the prostate—abnormal growths that could be precursors to cancer.

What does this mean for Nigeria?

With Nigeria’s mobile phone usage skyrocketing and its population increasingly dependent on digital connectivity, the potential health risks associated with RF radiation demand urgent attention.

Now, while the study does not conclusively prove that mobile phones cause prostate cancer, it highlights a compelling correlation between wireless exposure and increased cancer risk, particularly among those predisposed to the disease.

Given Nigeria’s high burden of prostate cancer, further local research is needed to determine whether mobile phone radiation is indeed a contributing factor. Until more research provides definitive answers, Nigerians can adopt precautionary measures to limit their exposure to RF radiation.

Some practical steps may include using wired headphones or speaker mode instead of holding the phone directly to the ear for long conversations. There is also a thought around avoiding carrying phones in pockets or near the body for prolonged periods.

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Opting for texting instead of prolonged calls to minimise exposure time is another way to limit mobile phone usage.

With prostate cancer already a leading health concern in Nigeria, addressing potential risk factors—including excessive mobile phone exposure—could help reduce the country’s cancer burden and improve early detection strategies.

As the conversation continues, it remains crucial for Nigerians to balance the benefits of technological advancement with proactive health awareness.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.