Nakuru:Nakuru County is intensifying its efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection as recent national cancer statistics emphasize the severity of the disease and the repercussions of delayed diagnoses.
According to Kenya News Agency, Clinical Radiation Oncologist Dr. Dulcie Wanda from Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital highlighted the importance of early medical assessment in improving treatment outcomes. During a breast cancer awareness walk and free clinical screening event, Dr. Wanda urged residents to seek clinical examinations proactively rather than waiting for physical symptoms to manifest.
Dr. Wanda shared data from the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, which recorded 398 breast cancer cases in Nakuru between 2020 and 2023, the second-highest after Nairobi. Additionally, 460 cases were diagnosed in Nakuru facilities, including non-resident patients. The national figures reveal a significant challenge with late-stage diagnoses, with 37.2% diagnosed at Stage IV and only 7.7% at Stage I or in situ.
The campaign also addressed the misconception that breast cancer only affects women. Survivor Ndung’u Chege encouraged men to seek medical assessments, noting that although rare, men can develop breast cancer. WHO estimates indicate that men account for about 0.5 to 1% of global breast cancer cases.
The initiative offers free breast clinic consultations, discounted ultrasound services, and reduced mammography charges to eligible patients without Social Health Authority coverage. The campaign aligns with Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy, which identifies diagnosis delays and infrastructure limitations as barriers to effective care.
Nakuru’s Regional Cancer Centre provides comprehensive care, including screening, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The National Government plans to upgrade the center to serve patients from 24 counties. The success of the awareness campaign depends on connecting education with accessible diagnostic services and continuous treatment, reducing stigma, and ensuring early detection leads to timely treatment.
