Byline by Dr. Carjini Yogeswaran, Urologist, AAR Healthcare
With rising life expectancy and aging populations, prostate cancer rates are projected to almost double by 2040, climbing from 1.4 million cases globally in 2020 to an anticipated 2.9 million annually.[1] Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Kenya, are expected to bear the impact of this rise, exacerbated by limited healthcare resources.
In Kenya, prostate cancer now accounts for 21.9% of all new male cancer cases, yet most of these are diagnosed at advanced stages.[2] This “silent burden” reflects a much larger healthcare challenge: the critical need for early diagnosis and public education on the disease.
Prostate cancer represents more than just a statistic, it is a profound public health issue, largely unaddressed due to stigma, limited awareness, and deeply ingrained misconceptions surrounding male health. The disease is too often viewed as a “silent killer,” compounded by the reluctance to openly discuss health issues tied to masculinity and sexual health. These cultural barriers can be just as detrimental to outcomes as the lack of medical resources, further contributing to the high rates of late-stage diagnoses.
Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Tools like the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams (DREs) can identify potential issues long before symptoms emerge, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatments.[3]
Studies show that in many low-resource settings, there is a significant disconnect between the availability of screening tools and their use in practice. The costs of inaction are steep.
When prostate cancer is diagnosed only after symptoms such as urinary difficulties or pelvic pain appear, it is often too late for curative treatment. The healthcare system then faces higher treatment costs and the more significant social and economic burden of advanced cancer care. This situation affects not only the patient’s health but also places a strain on families and communities who bear the emotional and financial toll of prolonged treatment. These costs extend beyond the individual to impact national productivity.
The growing prevalence of prostate cancer is not just a health issue; it is a test of Kenya’s healthcare system’s capacity to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Prostate cancer provides a unique opportunity for Kenya to shift its focus from reactive to proactive healthcare. Early detection and intervention are key to managing the rising burden of NCDs, and this aligns directly with Kenya’s broader health goals to reduce mortality from preventable diseases.
Kenya’s path forward requires a multi-faceted strategy that combines awareness campaigns, education, and community engagement with policy and infrastructure improvements. One successful model that could be adapted is the national breast cancer awareness campaigns, which have normalized screening and significantly improved early detection rates. Similarly, a focused campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer could shift public attitudes, making men more likely to embrace regular screenings and take charge of their health.
Prostate cancer is not just a health crisis—it’s a societal one. Deep-seated cultural norms[4] around masculinity and disease perpetuate the stigma that keeps many Kenyan men from seeking help, turning this issue into a silent epidemic. But the status quo is no longer an option. Innovations like mobile health clinics and telemedicine are game changers offering a lifeline to underserved areas, bridging knowledge gaps, and providing timely treatment where it’s needed most. By harnessing the power of technology and empowering communities, Kenya has the chance to confront this silent killer head-on and rewrite the future of men’s health.
Sources:
1Prostate Cancer Foundation: Prostate cancer cases expected to double worldwide between 2020 and 2040, new analysis suggests. 2024
2 National Cancer Institute of Kenya. Prostate Cancer. 2020
3 Siemens Healthineers. Prostate Cancer: Facts, diagnosis, and treatment,2020
4National Library of Medicine. Cultural factors associated with the intent to be screened for prostate cancer among adult men in a rural Kenyan community. 2017
