Stomach, colon, rectum, breast, and cervical cancers were typically considered diseases of the old, with most cases diagnosed in Kenyans over 50 years. PHOTO | FILE
Low cancer awareness levels and the lack of tailored prevention, treatment, and support for young Kenyans with the disease are appalling.
Reports from public hospitals show that the disease, previously seen in old people, is attacking younger adults and it is detected when it has spread to other body organs, making it hard and expensive to treat.
The numbers of those affected with cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, breast, oesophagus, and cervix are growing, posing a challenge to the already burdened healthcare system which has few specialists and diagnostic machines.
Even treating these aggressive kinds of cancers in young adults has become a challenge to top oncologists.
The Ministry of Health should educate Kenyans on the signs and symptoms of cancers because misconceptions and cultural beliefs are contributing to the late diagnosis and very low survival rates. It should also increase mass screenings, expand HPV vaccination to end cervical cancer, incorporate cancer talks in HIV/Aids programmes, let the National Hospital Insurance Fund cover genetic tests for young women at risk of getting hereditary breast cancer, and invest in cancer research.
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