Men aged 40 years and above have been urged to undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to enable early diagnosis of prostate-related conditions.
The PSA test is a blood test used to screen for and monitor prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis.
A 40-year-old bodaboda operator Mark Njoroge, said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer towards the end of last year.
“I noticed swelling around my private parts and decided to go to hospital for a check-up,” he said, noting that doctors later recommended surgery.
He urged men to embrace health-seeking behaviour whenever they notice unusual symptoms, warning that ignoring early signs could lead to severe complications.
Another man, aged 78, John Kinyanjui said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two years ago, adding that one of the main symptoms he experienced was difficulty in passing urine.
“I was unable to completely empty my bladder and could only pass small amounts of urine at a time. There was also swelling in my pelvic area,” he said.
He noted that he was initially afraid of undergoing the recommended surgery but was encouraged to seek treatment by a fellow man who had previously been treated for a similar condition.
He called on men to share and openly talk about the challenges they face, saying this helps them access the support and encouragement they need.
“Let us reduce the stigma around such illnesses and support those who are sick, because this illness can affect any man,” he appealed.
“Men, if you hear of a medical camp, go and get checked. There is nothing shameful about it,” he added.
Doctor Kevin Luta of Kiriai-ni Mission Hospital urged Murang’a residents to seek medical attention whenever they experience urinary tract-related problems.
“When we talk about urology issues, it is not just men. Even women should seek medical advice whenever they notice any challenges,” he said.
Dr Luta noted that urological conditions are common in the community but are often surrounded by stigma. He particularly encouraged men to have their prostates checked, noting that the risk of prostate cancer increases with age.
“Prostate cancer is treatable when diagnosed early. Men should therefore go for regular check-ups,” he said.
The doctor explained that common symptoms of prostate cancer include a frequent urge to urinate, sometimes as frequently as every 30 minutes, due to incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Another sign is urgency to urinate, where even a slight delay may result in wetting oneself. Patients may also experience a persistent feeling of urine remaining in the bladder, sometimes accompanied by uncontrollable leaking, a condition known as terminal dribbling.
He added that prostate problems may lead to kidney complications, as incomplete urination can affect kidney function.
Dr Luta noted that prostate cancer can be difficult to diagnose early and may only be detected after it spreads to other organs, presenting symptoms such as back or leg pain, or difficulty in breathing.
He also urged parents of children with undescended testes to seek medical attention early so that appropriate intervention can be provided.
Women experiencing pain or difficulty when passing urine, or noticing blood in their urine, were also advised to seek medical care.
Kiriai-ni Mission Hospital in Murang’a County will hold a free urology medical camp on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
By Purity Mugo
