According to the World Health Organization (WHO) worldwide prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In Kenya it's the third leading cause of cancer deaths among men: affecting mostly men at the age of 68 in Kenya and 62 years in developed countries.
However, there's still a significant number of men below the age of 50 years affected by prostate cancer.
Brachytherapy poses minimal risks to its patients, though the following side effects may be experienced.
"Erectile dysfunction is a major side effect. Sometimes you can get irritation of the bladder, and bleeding from the rectum. Though so far among the 112 patients we have treated we haven't experienced any side effects," says Prof Mungai.
One of the fears raised by many Kenyans is that will the radioactive materials affect their well-being in the long run.
"Fortunately the radioactive substances decay, they lose their radioactivity over time, and the half-life of radioactive of Iodine-125 is about 60 days so in a short while they will no longer be in your body," says the urologist.
Back to life
The whole brachytherapy treatment package cost around Sh800,000. A gun on the foot for many Kenyans who rely on the National Health Insurance (NHIF) to pay for their medical treatment.
"We have been hoping that the NHIF can come into the picture and help a lot of patients who have been unable to access these services," says Prof Peter Mungai.
Brachytherapy treatment can be used to treat many forms of cancer, not only prostate cancer.
"We have brachytherapy treatment for cervix, also used for the cancer of the rectum and tongue," says Prof Kahmann.
With a deep-rooted culture of avoiding seeking medical care till it is too late. This lowers one's survival rate in the face of cancer.
"For all men out there please once you hit 40 years old don't waste any chances. Be checking on your body and not only for men but also for the ladies," says Mr Muraithi.
"Because if I hadn't realised then it would hit me later in my 60s, then you know what follows after that. But now I know I'll be back to life and nothing to worry about," he adds.
While not many cancers can be treated by brachytherapy, tumors such as this where the cancer is confined to the prostate would benefit with the aim being a cure.