National Call for Annual Medical Screenings to Combat Cancer in Kenya
UASIN GISHU – Health officials are intensifying efforts to educate Kenyans on the critical importance of undergoing annual medical screenings, emphasizing early detection as a key strategy in the fight against the rising incidence of cancer. At a medical screening camp in Ainabkoi sub-county, experts highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing local cancer care infrastructure, negating the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
According to Kenya News Agency, Programme Officer for Treatment, Palliative Care, and Survivorship at the National Cancer Control Programme, early cancer detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. She underscored that early-stage cancer diagnoses are not tantamount to death sentences, with timely intervention enabling patients to lead fulfilling lives post-treatment.
The government’s investment in cancer treatment facilities across Kenya was emphasized, with advanced diagnostic and treatment services such as PET CT scans and radiotherapy available at three major referral hospitals and additional resources spread across ten regional cancer centers. These efforts aim to provide comprehensive cancer care, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, within the country, making treatment more accessible to patients nationwide.
Dr. Chepchumba pointed out the particular urgency in addressing breast and cervical cancers, the former being the most diagnosed and the latter the most deadly due to its aggressiveness. She advocated for regular screenings to manage these and other cancers proactively.
The event also served as a platform for promoting broader health initiatives, including the encouragement of HPV vaccinations for young girls, a preventive measure against cervical cancer. Dr. Chepchumba reassured the public of the vaccine’s safety, stressing its efficacy in preventing cancer later in life without adverse effects on fertility or general health.
The call to action extended to men, particularly those over 45, to undergo regular screenings for prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Dr. Evans Kiprotich, Uasin Gishu County Director of Health, highlighted a general reluctance among men to seek early medical intervention, especially for prostate-related issues, which often results in critical delays in treatment.
The insights shared at the screening camp reflect a broader health strategy to enhance public awareness and access to medical services, with officials noting the significant unmet demand for healthcare in the community. By emphasizing preventive care and early diagnosis, health authorities aim to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Kenya.