- As the country celebrates breast cancer month in October, Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Kenya. In accordance to the Ministry of Health Breast Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Action Plan, Breast cancer remains the leading Cancer, accounting for 16.1% of all other Cancers. Mortality rates from this disease have also risen significantly, leading it to be declared the second-largest cause of death among women in Kenya. The disease affects women between the ages of 35 and 45. Men are not left behind either, between 0.5 and 1% suffer from Breast Cancer cases. Unfortunately, most women are diagnosed in the last stages of the disease, resulting in low survival rates.
As the country celebrates breast cancer month in October, breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Kenya accounting for 16.1% of all other cancers. This is according to the Ministry of Health Breast Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Action Plan.
Mortality rates from this disease have also risen significantly, leading it to be declared the second-largest cause of death among women in Kenya. The disease affects women between the ages of 35 and 45. Men are not left behind either, between 0.5 and 1% suffer from breast cancer cases. Unfortunately, most women are diagnosed in the last stages of the disease, resulting in low survival rates.
In commemoration of this, awareness campaigns have been organized by many institutions. Recently, the Pink Run happened in Nairobi at the Hub Karen on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
The run aimed to draw attention to breast cancer detection and empower individuals to take charge of their health. According to breast surgical oncologist Dr Mukuhe Nganga, genetic history remains the primary risk of cancer, adding that early detection can make it curable.
“Early breast Cancer, early detection, always means a cure. If we detect your breast Cancer late where it has spread to the rest of your body, we can manage it but we can’t cure it,” Dr Mukuhe stated during the event.
As the battle against breast cancer continues, women and girls are encouraged to go for screening. This not only enables early diagnosis but also prompts early treatment. Mammography is the standard cancer screening method used in Kenya since it has proven to be effective in reducing mortality in women from breast cancer at the age of forty. Currently, screening guidelines do not support Cancer Screening among men globally.
