Doctors Urge Men Over 40 to Get Annual Prostate Tests as Cancer Cases Rise

 Men aged 40 years and above have been urged to undergo annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to allow for early detection and treatment of prostate-related conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis.

Health experts warn that prostate cancer often develops silently and may only be detected at advanced stages if routine screening is ignored. The PSA test, a simple blood test, is used to screen and monitor prostate health and can significantly improve treatment outcomes when conditions are diagnosed early.

Sharing his experience, 40-year-old boda boda operator Mark Njoroge said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year after noticing unusual swelling around his private parts. “I decided to go to hospital for a check-up, and doctors later recommended surgery,” he said. Njoroge urged men to seek medical attention immediately they notice abnormal symptoms, warning that delays can lead to severe complications.

Another patient, 78-year-old John Kinyanjui, said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago after experiencing difficulty passing urine. “I could not completely empty my bladder and could only pass small amounts of urine. There was also swelling in my pelvic area,” he said. Kinyanjui admitted he was initially afraid of surgery but was encouraged by a fellow patient who had undergone successful treatment.

He called on men to speak openly about their health challenges and reduce stigma surrounding prostate illness. “Let us support one another. This disease can affect any man. There is nothing shameful about going for a check-up,” he said, encouraging men to take advantage of medical camps and screening opportunities.

Doctor Kevin Luta of Kiriai-ni Mission Hospital urged residents of Murang’a County to seek medical attention whenever they experience urinary tract-related symptoms. He noted that urological conditions are common but often ignored due to stigma and fear. “Prostate cancer is treatable when diagnosed early. Men should go for regular check-ups, especially as risk increases with age,” Dr Luta said.

He explained that common symptoms include frequent urination, sometimes every 30 minutes, urgency that may lead to accidental wetting, incomplete bladder emptying, and terminal dribbling. In advanced cases, prostate problems may affect kidney function or spread to other organs, causing back pain, leg pain, or breathing difficulties.

Dr Luta also advised parents of children with undescended testes to seek early medical intervention and encouraged women experiencing pain during urination or blood in urine to seek prompt medical care.

Kiriai-ni Mission Hospital announced that it will hold a free urology medical camp on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to offer screening, consultations, and awareness on prostate and urinary health.