By Kevin Sang, Eldoret
As cancer cases continue to rise at an alarming rate in Kenya, new statistics reveal a growing health crisis.
On World Cancer Day, Mr Philip Kirwa, the CEO of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), revealed that approximately 6,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each month in the country, translating to an astonishing 72,000 cases annually.
“This surge highlights the urgent need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, greater awareness, and increased funding to address the ever-growing burden of cancer in Kenya,” said Mr Kirwa
The announcement comes at a time when the country is grappling with concerns over the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance in covering chronic illnesses.
Addressing these concerns, Mr. Kirwa assured the public that SHA covers a significant portion of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, and prescribed medications.
“We encourage citizens to enroll in SHA as it is a game-changer in the health sector. Cancer patients, along with others suffering from chronic diseases, receive essential treatment under this scheme,” stated Mr Kirwa.
Kirwa emphasized the importance of early cancer screening, a service provided free of charge at the hospital. Statistics indicate that the most prevalent cancers among women in Kenya are cervical and breast cancer, while prostate cancer remains the leading type affecting men.
“We urge women to undergo annual screenings for cervical and breast cancer, while men should be vigilant in getting checked for prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is key in managing and treating cancer effectively,” the CEO said
Despite the rising cancer cases in Kenya and globally, advancements in medical research continue to offer hope. Mr. Kirwa strongly discouraged reliance on traditional herbal medicine, noting that some patients opt for such remedies instead of hospital treatments.
“We encourage patients to trust hospital-based treatments, including surgery, which has proven to be an effective method in combating cancer. Many fear surgical procedures due to misconceptions that they lead to rapid deterioration, but medical research has shown otherwise,” he added.
This year’s World Cancer Day celebrations focused on early diagnosis and timely treatment as critical measures in reducing cancer-related fatalities.
