Nairobi: Kenyans have strongly been encouraged to adopt regular screening practices to combat the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, which is a leading cause of death in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Caroline Ngugi, Director of Training, Research and Innovation at Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), emphasized that early diagnosis and screening are vital to reducing breast cancer deaths.
She noted that many patients are presenting with advanced-stage disease, which makes treatment more complex. Dr. Ngugi made these remarks while flagging off a breast cancer awareness walk on Friday that started at the hospital grounds, where a free medical camp is underway. She urged Kenyans to utilize the free screening services that could potentially save many lives.
Dr. Ngugi stated, "Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the country and early screening is a key cornerstone in the fight against it. Kenya experiences about 7,000 new cases yearly, and unfortunately, almost 50 percent of patients succumb due to late diagnosis. These are very worrying statistics."
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat the disease, the facility is offering free breast and cervical cancer screening services throughout the awareness period. The awareness walk proceeded from the hospital to the Kahawa West Roundabout and back, specifically championing the need for timely screening and early detection of breast cancer.
The key steps, according to Dr. Ngugi, include self-breast exams at home with prompt follow-up for any lumps detected. Although mammography is an effective early detection tool and widely available, it's generally not recommended for women under 40 because dense breast tissue can yield false results. For this younger demographic, other clinical and imaging examinations are available.
While acknowledging uncontrollable risk factors like age, gender, and family history, she stressed the importance of lifestyle adjustments to reduce cancer risk, pointing out that habits like excessive alcohol intake and smoking are major contributors to the disease. She urged people to watch their eating habits, stay physically active, and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Ngugi also highlighted Kenya's strides in cancer care, noting that major facilities now provide a full spectrum of treatments: chemotherapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy. She emphasized that while breast cancer is curable when detected early, the main obstacle remains late presentation, which complicates treatment and escalates costs.
To combat this, she confirmed that KUTRRH will continue conducting mobile screening clinics and community outreach programs across the county to enhance both early detection and prevention efforts.