Cancer Survivors and Educators group has raised alarm over prostate cancer infecting men attributing it to lack of awareness.
The Warriors of Hope Foundation (WOHF) has said there is a need to inform the public of the disease as many men above 50 years were unaware of the disease and how to protect themselves from it through screening and treatment.
Speaking during a sensitization forum organized by the NGO in Mombasa, Michael Mutua a Prostate Cancer Champion said that they have started a campaign on creating awareness about the killer disease in a bid to sensitize the masses on the importance of early detection as it saves lives.
“We want to help people understand the potential risk of developing Prostate Cancer and to spread the message globally so that we can inform, help and support those who might be affected,” he said.
According to Mutua, some of the warning signs include bone pain, compression of the spine, painful urination or blood in the urine.
Mutua shared how important it is to get screened for the disease noting that it is an important way of detecting it in its early stages when it is most treatable.
He also noted that lack of willingness to undergo screening by some people has caused adverse effects.
“Cultural beliefs, stigma, lack of information, masculinity and avoidance of a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) has led to serious consequences to cancer patients,” he added.
WOHF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Wafula said there is no particular cause for prostate cancer but one’s lifestyle can be a major cause not forgetting race of a person, genetics and age factors.
On prevention, Wafula said one has to choose a healthy diet where plenty of fruits and vegetables are consumed as they contain vitamins and nutrients that contribute to a good health system.
“It’s important to have a balanced diet and eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals as they help in preventing diseases in general,” she said.
She noted that physical exercise is another factor that should be considered but called upon people to rush for medical checkups in case they notice any risk factor.
“We are supposed to exercise even if it’s just walking to maintain a healthy body and also have a good mood,” said Wafula.
Breast Health Educator Shazmeen Kassam urged people to come out and put aside stigma or fear and get checked.
“Hopefully the conversation will keep moving in the right direction and more people will get to know the signs and risk factors of Prostate Cancer,” she said.
By Chari Suche and Asia Salat
