KERICHO, KENYA — In light of the increasing instances of esophageal cancer in Kericho County, a local medic has issued a warning to residents about the disease, which is among the top three causes of death in Kenya.

According to Kenya News Agency, a resident surgeon at AIC Litein Kericho Annex clinic, the community needs to be vigilant about their risk factors and the often subtle early signs of this rapidly progressing cancer.

In an interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA), Dr. Blasto highlighted several risk factors for esophageal cancer, including tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, chronic acid reflux, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and a family history of the disease. He emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs, which can include recurrent heartburn, difficulty swallowing solid foods, throat pain, chronic coughing or hoarseness, and unintentional weight loss.

Dr. Blasto explained that due to the esophagus’s flexibility, which allows it to expand around tumors, patients often do not exhibit symptoms until the cancer has advanced significantly. He detailed the diagnostic process, noting that a barium swallow test and endoscopy are primary methods used to confirm the presence of esophageal cancer.

The alarming rate of diagnosis at his facility, with approximately three patients per month presenting symptoms indicative of esophageal cancer, underscores the urgency of the situation in Kericho. Dr. Blasto revealed ongoing research aimed at determining the disease’s prevalence in the county and stressed that early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Treatments may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the cancer’s stage.

Sharing his personal battle with the disease, esophageal cancer survivor Benard Otieno recounted his initial misdiagnosis and treatment for ulcer-like symptoms, which later progressed to difficulties swallowing solid and liquid foods. An endoscopy eventually revealed a growth along his esophagus, leading to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. After undergoing two chemotherapy cycles and surgery, Otieno is now cancer-free, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.