Women in Kisii County have been urged to get screened for cervical cancer for early detection of the disease.
Kisii County First Lady Mrs. Elizabeth Ongwae says early detection of the killer disease is critical in management and treatment. Health experts say majority of cancer cases are diagnosed in late stages reducing chances of recovery.
She spoke when volunteers from the Step by Step Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign paid a courtesy call. The team that began a month long walk in Migori County aims to traverse all 47 Counties to raise Sh 50 million to combat cervical cancer.
“Women are the backbone of a society. They hold the family together, nurture and protect. Cervical cancer is a disease that is fully preventable. As we focus on eliminating the disease, we must support those who are already living with it, ease their burden and give them a fighting chance,” said Mrs. Ongwae.
She challenged women to take charge of their lives and get screened for the disease adding that there was need for concerted efforts to create awareness on cancer and other non-communicable diseases in the community.
Cancer is the third highest cause of deaths in Kenya after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
According to health experts, cancer has emerged as a leading killer disease ahead of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria combined. Statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that cancer contributes to 7 per cent of deaths in Kenya.
Lack of awareness, lack of treatment facilities, high cost of treatment, poverty and inadequate diagnostic facilities have been identified as causes for late diagnosis.
The Kisii County Government has secured a KShs.2billion loan for the establishment of a modern cancer treatment centre at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).
Predisposing factors for Cancer
- Tobacco use ( causes up to 22 per cent of cancer deaths)
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Consumption of alcohol
- Exposure to ionizing radiation and environmental pollutants
- Gender
- Getting older
- Significant family history
