The family of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo has confirmed advanced metastatic kidney cancer as the cause of the actor’s death.

Ekubo passed away on Monday at the age of 40, throwing the entertainment industry and Nigeria into a state of shock and drawing tributes from colleagues and fans.

In a statement issued via his Instagram page on Wednesday, Ekubo’s family said the actor died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.

“After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the family said.

Also known as stage 4 kidney cancer or stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), metastatic kidney cancer is the most advanced form of kidney cancer in adults.

Here are 10 important things to know about this condition:

1. Kidney cancer and deadly statistics

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer worldwide. It is the 10th most common cancer in men and the 13th most common cancer in women.

The fund stated that there were 434,840 new cases of kidney cancer and 155,953 deaths in 2022.

According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing kidney cancer in men is about 1 in 45, while for women, it is about 1 in 75, although each person’s risk can be affected by factors like smoking, age, or family history.

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. It happens when cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a tumour.

It can spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body.

2. “Metastatic” means it has spread

When kidney cancer reaches stage 4, it has spread (metastasised) beyond the kidney to distant sites such as the lungs (most common), bones, liver, brain, or other organs.

This makes it far more difficult to treat than early-stage (I to III) disease confined to the kidney.

3. Symptoms often appear late

Early kidney cancer frequently produces no noticeable symptoms. By the time it becomes metastatic, common signs can include blood in the urine (haematuria), persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, anaemia, or a lump in the abdomen or side.

4. Risk factors

Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term use of certain pain medications, family history, and certain genetic conditions.

It occurs more frequently in men and typically around age 60–65, though it can affect younger adults.

5. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage

According to studies, roughly one-third of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases already have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.

This contributes to its challenging prognosis compared to many other cancers.

6. Survival rates are lower but improving

The five-year relative survival rate for distant (metastatic) kidney cancer is approximately 15–19%, according to recent SEER data from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

Median survival has historically been 6–12 months without modern therapies, though outcomes vary widely depending on treatment response and disease spread.

7. Treatment has advanced significantly

Options for metastatic disease include targeted therapies (such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors), immunotherapy (often a first-line treatment), surgery to remove the primary tumour or isolated metastases in select cases, radiation, and palliative care for symptom management. Combination therapies have improved outcomes in recent years.

8. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes

When detected early and confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, underscoring the importance of prompt medical attention for symptoms such as blood in urine or persistent back pain.

9. It can be unpredictable in progression

Some patients experience rapid decline, while others respond well to treatment and live for years. Prognosis depends on factors such as the number of metastatic sites, overall health status, and tumour biology.

10. Awareness and prevention matter

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure, and seeking medical attention for warning signs can reduce risk. (The PUNCH)

Imposition of consensus candidates will tear APC apart — Guber aspirant

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has warned that any attempt to impose candidates on party members under the guise of consensus could destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kente gave the warning while addressing thousands of supporters in Wukari, his hometown, on Wednesday.

He insisted that transparent primaries remain the only credible path to producing acceptable candidates for governorship, Senate and House of Representatives positions in the state.

The APC chieftain said he had successfully submitted his nomination forms and passed the party’s screening process, declaring himself fully prepared for the governorship primaries.

He expressed confidence in emerging victorious at the polls, stressing that he was not afraid of a competitive contest.

“Why should anybody insist on consensus? I am not afraid of primaries because I have the support and backing of the majority of APC members across the state,” Kente said.

According to him, his decision to join the governorship race followed sustained pressure from supporters and stakeholders across the state who urged him to contest.

“This pressure became overwhelming and I could no longer turn them down. A few weeks ago, stakeholders and leaders from the 16 local government areas of the state converged in Wukari and resolved to use their personal resources to obtain the nomination forms for me to rescue Taraba in 2027,” he stated.

Kente also called on residents of Southern Taraba and Nigerians in general to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office in 2027.

He commended the president for ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, particularly the multi-billion naira Ibbi Bridge project, which he said would further connect Taraba to other parts of the country.

“We should vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again in 2027 as we did in 2023. This will enable us to continue enjoying the dividends of democracy, including the completion of the Ibbi Bridge,” he said.

The governorship hopeful also pledged to serve only one term if elected governor, after which he would support the transfer of power to either Taraba Central or Northern senatorial district.

Kente argued that Southern Taraba had held power for too long and that fairness and equity demanded a power shift to other zones of the state.

“As an advocate of zoning, I have resolved to serve for only four years to complete the remaining term of Dr. Kefas if elected, and thereafter return power to either the Northern or Central Senatorial Districts,” he said.

He maintained that rotational leadership remained essential for unity, fairness and peaceful coexistence in Taraba State. (Daily Trust)

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