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The Nairobian

For men's health, AAR hospital reduces prostate cancer screening fee

Health & Science

By Brian Ngugi | Nov 22, 2024

**A patient undergoes medical tests during a free medical camp on Men's Health Day.** [Lydiah Nyawira, Standard]

AAR Hospital has reduced prostate cancer screening fees to promote health awareness among men

The hospital, located on Kiambu Road has cut the cost of renal bladder ultrasound tests by 30 per cent bringing the fee down to Sh7,000 from the previous Sh10,000.

In addition, the cost of abdominal pelvic ultrasounds has been reduced by Sh1,500, now priced at Sh6,500. These initiatives aim to encourage men to prioritize their health and seek essential screenings.

Dr Samuel Ogombe, a urologist at AAR Hospital, emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Kenyan men. Symptoms can include a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, a weak urinary stream, increased urination frequency—especially at night—and blood in the urine. Advanced cases may present additional symptoms such as weight loss, low appetite, anaemia, bone pain, and swelling or numbness in the legs.

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“The presence of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate prostate cancer, but it is crucial to consult a doctor for further evaluation,” Dr Ogombe stated. He highlighted that some patients may be diagnosed through screening before any symptoms manifest.

Men’s Health Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about various health issues affecting men, including mental health and cancers like prostate and testicular cancer. In conjunction with the screening fee reductions, AAR Hospital has also lowered the cost of stool occult tests from Sh1,100 to Sh900.

While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, Dr Ogombe explained that the disease is influenced by testosterone, the male sex hormone. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, with the average diagnosis age being 65. Studies indicate that Black men are at the highest risk, and family history plays a significant role—men with a brother or father who has been diagnosed are at greater risk.

To help mitigate the risk of prostate cancer, Dr Ogombe recommends maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, managing weight, and engaging in regular exercise.

Earlier this year, AAR Hospital cut cancer screening costs for the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It also offered free diabetes screenings in August.