The Medical Director of Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Calabar, Dr Kajogbola Gbenga, has expressed concern over cases of sudden collapse and death among Nigerians below 50, attributing the trend to unhealthy lifestyles, stress and poor health-seeking habits.

He said the pressure on young people to achieve quick success had contributed to inadequate rest, drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and energy drink consumption, increasing their vulnerability to serious health complications.

Gbenga noted that stroke was increasingly affecting younger people, while unhealthy diets and elevated cholesterol levels were contributing to heart attacks and kidney damage.

He advised Nigerians to undergo regular medical examinations, manage stress and make time for recreation to reduce the risk of premature death.

He also urged people to avoid excessive alcohol, energy drinks, smoking and caffeine consumption, stressing the importance of annual comprehensive health checks to detect potential health problems early.

The medical director encouraged Nigerians to pay attention to their family medical history, noting that some hereditary conditions could cause severe complications or death before age 50 if left undetected.

He recommended annual medical screening, particularly for people above 30, and urged those experiencing symptoms of ill health to seek prompt medical attention.

Gbenga also lamented Nigeria’s poor death registration system, saying the lack of reliable records made it difficult to determine the number of people below 50 dying from these conditions.