Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma’s wife Olivia Ranguma has called on residents to go for breast cancer screening as Kenyans mark the breast cancer awareness month.
Olivia also advised men to go for the tests because they are also at risk of getting breast cancer.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu town on Monday, Olivia noted that only few men go for cancer screening.
“We are calling upon Kisumu residents to take advantage of the free breast cancer screenings in most health facilities in the country,” she said.
She called on Kenyans to reduce tobacco and alcohol use and exercise regularly to reduce chances of getting cancer.
Breast and cervical cancers are the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Kenya. She noted this is attributed to risk factors that are influenced by unhealthy lifestyles.
Olivia said cervical cancer is more common in the rural areas while breast cancer is common in urban areas, according to the Kenya Cancer Society.
She added that cervical cancer is easily prevented and curable if detected early.
“Its early detection and treatment does not require sophisticated facilities and equipment or highly specialised staff,” Olivia said.
Concern over cervical cancer has risen because 70 per cent of all cases can be prevented by giving girls aged nine to 13 years a HPV vaccine.
County Chief officer for Health Dr Ojwang Lusi said the county government is focused to reduce cases of cancer and other diseases in the county.
“The county will redouble its efforts to mitigate misconceptions and stigma attached to cancer and integrate cervical, breast and prostate cancers, HIV/AIDS and maternal and child health programmes,” Ojwang said.
Ojwang also says people should adopt healthy lifestyles by exercising and eating more traditional foods.
“In all cancers, treatment outcomes depends on early detection. The earlier the cancer is detected the greater the chances that it can be cured,” he said.
Kenya records an average of 39,000 new cases of cancer each year with more than 27,000 deaths per year.
About 60 per cent of Kenyans affected by the disease are less than 70 years according to the Ministry of Health.
Ojwang said cancer continues to pose grave health challenges for being the third highest cause of deaths in the country, after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
The Ministry of Health says women account for between 34 per cent infections in breast cancer and 25 per cent in cervical cancer while men come a distant second with 17 per cent breast cancer infections.
He said deaths caused by cancer infections had been soaring in the county due to late diagnosis.
“We need to step up awareness in efforts to create massive awareness so that those who turn positive are given early treatment,” Ojwang said.