University of Nigeria Department of Psychology shared on LinkedIn:
“UNN Psychology Alumnus, Runcie Chidebe, Earns PhD with Groundbreaking Research on Prostate Cancer Care in Nigeria Runcie C.W. Chidebe, an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka of Nigeria Department of Psychology, successfully defended his PhD dissertation on July 27, 2026, at the Scripps Gerontology Center and the Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Ohio, USA.
His dissertation, titled ‘How Do Older Men with Prostate Cancer Navigate Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Survivorship in Nigeria?’, explored how older Nigerian men living with prostate cancer navigate barriers to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care by centering their lived experiences.
The study revealed that many Nigerian men face the dual burden of cancer and poverty, which significantly limits access to quality care. While patients in many high-income countries benefit from advanced hormonal therapies, many Nigerian men still undergo surgical castration because more effective treatment options remain unaffordable.
The research also found that financial hardship forces many patients to abandon orthodox treatment in favor of alternative therapies.
To address these challenges, Dr. Chidebe advocated increased government investment in cancer care to improve access to affordable and effective treatment. The successful defense was witnessed by faculty members, fellow students, and guests from across the world, including Nigeria. In his remarks, Dr. Chidebe expressed appreciation to his dissertation chair, Dr. Saruna Ghimire, and committee members Dr. Robert Applebaum, Dr. Ryan Steel, Dr. Candidus Nwakasi, and Dr. Sherill Sellers for their invaluable mentorship throughout his doctoral journey.
A First-Class Honours graduate of the Department of Psychology, UNN, Dr. Chidebe is the Executive Director of the Health & Psychological Trust Centre (Project PINK BLUE), a Nigerian non-profit organization dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection, patient support, advocacy, research, and psychosocial care.
Congratulating him, Dr. JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji, Senior Lecturer in the University of Nigeria Department of Psychology, said: ‘Runcie’s work is outstanding because of its profound implications for improving the lives of older adults impacted by cancer. I wish him continued success and a fulfilling career marked by impactful research and meaningful contributions.’
The Head of Department, Professor John E. Eze, together with the staff and students of the Department of Psychology, congratulates Dr. Chidebe on this significant academic milestone and wishes him continued success.
Courtesy: Psychology Digital Engagement Hub, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. With special thanks to EJIKE UGWU for additional reports.”
Runcie Chidebe, Oncology Researcher at Miami University, shared a post by University of Nigeria Department of Psychology, adding:
“Thank you very much University of Nigeria Department of Psychology. You all made me what I have become today. I am Lion for life.”
Oter articles featuring Runcie Chidebe on OncoDaily.
