# Prostate cancer: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya

_Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland below a man's bladder. Signs, risk factors, screening and next steps in Kenya._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/prostate-cancer

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland below a man's bladder. It is the most common cancer in Kenyan men and often grows slowly, which is why testing at the right age matters. When signs do appear, they can include needing to urinate more often, especially at night; a weak flow, straining, or stopping and starting; and feeling that the bladder has not emptied.

**New prostate cancer cases in Kenya each year:** 3,601
_The most common cancer in Kenyan men. IARC GLOBOCAN 2024._

**Prostate cancer: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Men aged 55 to 69: a PSA blood test is offered, after talking through the benefits and limits | PSA blood test, sometimes with a digital rectal exam | Prostate cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Prostate cancer: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya: your questions answered

**Q: What is prostate cancer?**

A: Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland below a man's bladder. It is the most common cancer in Kenyan men and often grows slowly, which is why testing at the right age matters.

**Q: What are the signs of prostate cancer?**

A: Often no symptoms at all in the early stages. Needing to urinate more often, especially at night. A weak flow, straining, or stopping and starting. Feeling that the bladder has not emptied. Blood in the urine or semen. New problems getting an erection. Bone or back pain and weight loss in later stages.

**Q: Who is most at risk?**

A: Age, especially from 50. A father, brother or son with prostate cancer. Relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, or BRCA gene changes in the family. Being of African descent, which is why Kenya advises earlier conversations.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Blood in urine or semen, being unable to urinate, or bone pain with urinary problems need prompt review. Urinary symptoms are far more often caused by an enlarged prostate than by cancer, but only a check can tell.

**Q: How is prostate cancer checked?**

A: With PSA blood test, sometimes with a digital rectal exam. Men aged 55 to 69: a PSA blood test is offered, after talking through the benefits and limits.

**Q: What happens after a high-risk result?**

A: A PSA blood test. A digital rectal exam by a clinician. A repeat PSA after about 8 weeks if the first is raised. A referral to a urologist, who may suggest a scan or biopsy. A risk result is not a diagnosis.

**Q: What should I ask my doctor?**

A: At my age and with my family history, should I have a PSA test? What PSA level is normal for me? Could my urinary symptoms be an enlarged prostate? If my PSA is raised, what are the next steps? How often should I repeat the test?

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: The Social Health Authority benefit tariffs list a PSA test at KES 1,500 at facilities that offer it. Private laboratory prices vary.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: The prostate cancer risk assessment asks about 37 questions, including family history of prostate and related cancers, inherited gene changes, past PSA results and the full IPSS urinary symptom score. It tells you whether a PSA test is due for your age and risk. It costs KES 300. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [IARC Global Cancer Observatory, Kenya fact sheet (GLOBOCAN 2024)](https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/404-kenya-fact-sheet.pdf)
- [NHS, Prostate cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/)

## More on this condition

- [How to lower your risk of prostate cancer](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/prostate-cancer/prevention)
- [Prostate cancer screening in Kenya: who, when and which test](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/prostate-cancer/screening)