Get regular cancer screening, South Rift residents urged

Two South Rift governors from South Rift have urged Kenyans to go for regular cancer screening because of increasing cases.

Early screening, diagnosis and treatment increases the survival rate.

Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu and his Bomet counterpart Hillary Barchok said early diagnosis enables early-stage detection and timely treatment.

They commented during the burial of Ruth Leleito, wife of former Assistant Bishop AGC Kenya, Rev Paul Leteito, at Mogoyuet in Narok West n Friday.

Leleito died of colon cancer two weeks ago.

“Screening can prevent development of the disease by finding early polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous,” Ntutu said.

In attendance were former Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Narok South MP Kitilai Ntutu, C and other leaders.

Statistics by the Ministry of Health show the national uptake of screening is only 16 per cent.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, followed by infectious diseases.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women, followed by breast cancer.

The county boss said the national government should work closely with counties and priorities more cancer screening and treatment centres in the country.

“Cancer has no age limit as it is killing even young children. The disease is indiscriminately affecting all Kenyans regardless of their age or status in society,” he said.

Barchok said the disease was attacking people of all ages and many young people have suffered.

“You may not feel any pain in the body, but I advise you to go for regular check-ups. This will keep you safe. This disease can be treated if discovered early,” he said.

Tonkei said the rapid spread of the disease in the country was causing panic so everyone should go for regular testing.

She urge the executive and the legislative arms of government to come up with policies to fight the scourge.

While calling for cancer to be declared a national disaster, Tonkei expressed confidence President-elect William Ruto will improve the health sector and universal health care.

The World Health Organization said cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.

The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon, rectum and prostate cancers.

Experts say around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake and lack of physical activity.

(Edited by V. Graham)