By Ann Debrah Wanjiku 09-0365

Prostrate, the ordeal of an old man
The Wanyeki’s were all saddened by the fact that no doctor knew what was wrong with the Patriarch of the family. A man well known in the village of Kamakwa, Nyeri, for his activeness in church and his friendly mannerism was lying on the hospital bed in dire pain. One look at him and your eyes would be filled with tears said the old man’s first born Margaret Wambui. The family moved Mr. Wanyeki from hospital to hospital trying to find out what was wrong with their father. The bills accumulated were becoming strenuous for the family to foot. Finally, the once healthy and strong man was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There are no known causes for prostate cancer, a cancer that affects the reproductive health, yet, but the various predisposing factors are such as age, which is men over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of getting the disease, family history and certain prostate changes.
Statistics show that prostate cancer is on the rise in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 in 2008. The figures show that there is an alarming problem that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. This test can help prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. This test will help determine whether there is benign prostate condition or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions, if you have such any talk to your doctor who will guide you on the way forward.
There are many treatment options for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patient should consult with the doctor to know what treatment would work best and the expected side effects. The options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Mr. Wanyeki is recuperating well at home after getting a second opinion about his condition. He is however grateful to his children for there support and ever present support through out his scary ordeal. He has started a local men’s platform to educate them about prostate cancer and encouraging the men in the village to get tested. He is happy with the turnout of people at his house where the meetings are held. “I will rest a peaceful man…” said Mr. Wanyeki. (480) words)