Kenya is not an exception to the global health crisis of breast cancer, which claims millions of lives annually. The burden has been rising continuously, endangering public health significantly. The second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya is breast cancer. A woman’s odds of dying from breast cancer are approximately 1 in 50.
As Kenya turns its focus to addressing societal calamities such as climate change, the frequency and incidence rates are concerning. Many have advanced diagnoses, which makes therapy harder and less successful. The Ministry of Health’s statistics indicate that there are about 6,000 new cases and 2,500 cancer-related fatalities each year in Kenya.
In the country, breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for close to 3,000 deaths, according to data made public by the Ministry of Health in October of last year. Actually, five Kenyan women lose their lives to breast cancer every day. After heart disease and infectious diseases, cancer is the third most common cause of death in Kenya, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Both at the national and household levels, cancer is a hardship. At the national level, the frequency of cancer makes poverty reduction measures more difficult because of things like the loss of a productive population from early death and the loss of productive time from caring for others. Furthermore, as shown by a number of other reasons, the rising incidence of cancer has led to an increase in government spending on palliative care and treatment.
Many patients prospects of survival are hampered by the lack of access to cancer treatment facilities and services, especially in rural areas where the majority of people are still unaware of the disease’s symptoms. Certain malignancies can be avoided by increasing vaccination rates, creating awareness, adopting healthier living habits, and receiving immunizations, including the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer.
Screening for breast cancer has been demonstrated to save lives and identify the disease early. From the age of 45 on, screening mammograms should be performed every two to three years. Any anomaly seen during the mammography is assessed appropriately. In order to purchase more cancer-related medical devices and equipment and to initiate public education campaigns on the warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the need for early detection, the government must enhance funding.
The fight against cancer is a global struggle, and the situation in Kenya is a reflection of this disease’s powerful opponent. Kenya is seeing an increase in the number of cancer cases, but to combat it, we need to increase access to treatment, prevention, and awareness. As Kenya battles the silent cancer epidemic, increasing awareness and enhancing the healthcare system are essential to reducing the terrible disease’s impact on its citizens.