Mombasa: As the country continues to grapple with the cancer scourge, Coastal region county governments have been urged to intensify awareness campaigns to promote early screening and treatment.
According to Kenya News Agency, people of all ages gathered in Mombasa to walk ten kilometers in the early morning heat to raise awareness about cancer and other non-communicable diseases. The event, organized by Zambezi Hospital in collaboration with Al-Zak Medical Clinic and BF Suma, began at the Holy Ghost Cathedral. Organizers used the walk to encourage residents to undergo early cancer screening for better management and treatment.
Maina Mbugua, the walk’s organizer, highlighted that ongoing research indicates the food people consume significantly contributes to cancers. Mbugua pointed out the importance of educating children about early precautions to prevent obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of cancer.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2022, revealed that only 16 percent of women aged 15-49 were examined for breast and cervical cancers. Mwinyi Mzee, a Clinical Oncologist, emphasized that cancer can be successfully reversed if detected in its early stages, specifically stage one or two. He advised against using single-use plastics in refrigerators, as they can pose cancer risks when they start to disintegrate. Additionally, Mzee highlighted the dangers of reusing cooking oil, which can lead to carcinogenic nitrate formation.
Mzee encouraged Kenyans to embrace physical exercise, consume plenty of water, and maintain a healthy diet to reduce cancer risks. He reiterated the importance of consuming green vegetables and fruits five times a day to boost the immune system. He also mentioned that high doses of Vitamin D, available from the early morning sun, can help reverse cancer in its early stages.
Coast Development Authority Chairman Mzee Mwinyi noted that Mombasa has the highest cancer rate in the region, with breast and cervical cancers prevalent among women and prostate cancer among men. He also highlighted that Kilifi County reports high cases of esophageal cancer, attributed to dietary habits, while Kwale County sees a rise in cervical cancer due to low screening rates and high HPV prevalence.
Mwinyi emphasized the need for better access to cancer screening and treatment facilities in rural areas and urged Coastal counties to invest in prevention and awareness campaigns. The CDA, he promised, will support these efforts through resource mobilization for hospital developments.
Ali Mbogo, Chairman of the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, encouraged Mombasa to devolve cancer screening from the dispensary level to reduce congestion at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. He stressed the importance of preventive medicine and called for awareness campaigns akin to those for HIV/AIDS testing.