Nonprofit launches global effort to fight prostate cancer
A new global health effort aimed at improving prostate cancer care in developing regions has been launched, with Nigeria selected as the first country to benefit.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has introduced the Hästens-PCF Global Health Award, an initiative focused on expanding access to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment in areas where services remain limited.
The programme will support the rollout of the STAMPEDE2 clinical trial in Nigeria, helping bring advanced cancer research closer to patients.
“The Hästens-PCF Global Health Award is a testament to our commitment to saving lives by accelerating the global impact of prostate cancer research and care,” said Gina Carithers, President and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
“Together, with the generous support of Hästens and our pioneering donors, we can achieve our ultimate vision of a future where a man’s chance of surviving prostate cancer is not determined by where he lives, but by access to timely, high-quality care grounded in global scientific excellence.”
The STAMPEDE2 trial itself is a large international study testing new ways of treating advanced prostate cancer.
Among the treatments being studied is Pluvicto, which targets cancer cells directly while limiting damage to surrounding tissue.
It is expected to strengthen both research and treatment systems in a setting where many patients are still diagnosed late.
Funding for the initiative has been provided by Hästens, covering research as well as operational costs.
Organisers say the award is designed to be repeated and expanded to other countries over time, with a focus on locally led solutions.
“The STAMPEDE2 clinical trial provides a powerful platform to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact, which could profoundly transform prostate cancer treatment in underserved countries and communities,” said Dr. James.
“The Hästens-PCF Global Health Award supports locally led solutions that will improve prostate cancer outcomes today while establishing models for lasting impact in the years ahead.”
In Nigeria, the programme will focus on raising awareness, encouraging early testing, and improving access to diagnostic tools such as imaging and pathology.
Researchers will also gather data to better understand how patients respond to treatment and how care can be improved.
It will also support the training of health workers and help put in place clearer care pathways for patients.
“Much of my career has been dedicated to bridging the global disparity in prostate cancer research and treatment,” said Dr. Fatiregun.
“It is with great honor and gratitude to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Hästens that I can continue my life’s work and help bring world-class precision medicine to Nigerian patients.”
The project will be led by Dr. Omolara Aminat Fatiregun of Lagos State University College of Medicine, working alongside Nick James of The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Prostate cancer cases are rising worldwide, but outcomes remain uneven.
In many low- and middle-income countries, men often seek care late, and health systems face shortages in equipment and trained specialists. These gaps continue to affect survival rates.
“We are excited to be a part of the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s first-ever global health award to translate innovation into measurable benefit for men who currently face the greatest burden of this disease,” said Jacob Koo, owner of the largest network of Hästens stores worldwide.
“Along our global journey to improve lives through incredible sleep, we are proud to support high-quality science that will positively impact the lives of men in Nigeria and across the globe.”
The organisers say lessons from Nigeria will help guide similar efforts elsewhere, with the broader goal of improving access to care and outcomes for patients across emerging regions.
