Thika women have been called upon to turn up for the free cervical cancer screening at Naidu Hospital.
Area MP Alice Ng’ang’a, speaking on Saturday when she went for the screening, urged her constituents to take advantage of the exercise which commenced on Friday and is set to end on Friday this week.
Ng’ang’a said that she is saddened by the way people handle their bodies and health status in Thika as the free medical check-ups have been serving very few people despite the consequences of diseases like cancer.
“Cancer kills over eight million people globally every year, constituting close to 13% of the total deaths worldwide. Yet, people still don’t see the need to get screened for the same. It’s unfortunate that we are forcing such services to you,” she said.
She said cancer is the third killer in Kenya and adding that there is need for concerted efforts aimed at promoting cancer prevention, early detection, improved diagnosis and treatment including care.
Ng'ang'a urged the residents to come forward and know their status since medical experts say most cancers can be cured if detected early.
“I urge everyone in Thika and mostly women to attend this free cancer screening as it is important to know our status. Come and get tested, do not wait until it is too late,” she added.