Over 1,300 Screened for Breast Cancer in Kericho County.
Overall, breast cancer registers 5,985 new cases in Kenya, accounting for 12.5% of all new cancer cases, and 20.9% in women alone (GLOBOCAN, 2018). In the same period, it accounted for 9.2% of all cancer deaths, making it the third leading cause of all cancer deaths in the country. Available data shows that majority of breast cancer patients present in late stage, contributing to higher mortality and low overall survival.
Population Services Kenya (through our Tunza clinics) with support from Stanbic bank foundation and in partnership with Kericho County Department of Health conducted free breast cancer screening events in Kericho County with an effort of ensuring that more persons get a chance to know their breast cancer status. This was leveraged on the Ministry of Industrialisation Trade and Enterprise Development Trade Expo that took place in the county between 17th and 20th June this year.
In addition to the screening that took place at the stated expo, screening was conducted in other select locations within the county namely: Roret , Kapsoit, Kericho green stadium, Chepseon, Ng’oina, Kapkelek, St Leonard’s and Kericho outpatients Tunza clinics. Breast cancer commonly occurs in women but there are few cases of men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer thus it is advisable for both women and men to go for screening as early diagnosis often leads to better treatment outcomes.
Interview with beneficiaries.
