JK urges men to make regular prostate health checks since its early detection facilitates timely treatment

DAR ES SALAAM: THE former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has urged men to make regular prostate health checks a routine part of their healthcare, saying early detection increases the chances of receiving timely treatment before cancer spreads.

Kikwete made the call in Dar es Salaam while serving as the guest of honour at events marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at Kairuki Hospital in Mikocheni.

During the event, Kikwete toured a modern High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine, which is used to treat certain tumours, including prostate cancer in eligible patients, without conventional surgery. The technology uses high-intensity sound waves to generate heat and target tissue affected by a tumour.

Sharing his personal experience with prostate cancer, Kikwete said he underwent further medical examinations in the United States in 2014 after doctors detected early signs of the disease. Tests confirmed that the cancer was at an early stage, allowing him to begin treatment before it progressed.

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“They took 14 samples, and two of them showed signs of cancer. The doctors told me it was at an early stage and could be treated,” he said.

Kikwete said he subsequently agreed to undergo surgery to remove his prostate in an effort to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of his body. He said he has remained in good health since the procedure.

“After the surgery, I developed a routine of having regular health check-ups. At present, my health is very good. That is why when someone tells me that I am sick, I simply laugh, because I know the state of my health,” he said.