Unity is strength when there is team work and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. Why don’t you take a step and do something about it by helping the society.
Cancer is one of the non communicable diseases and a major cause of death and suffering to many Kenyans. It is estimated that the annual incidence of cancer is about 28,000 cases and the annual mortality to be over 22,000. Over 60% of those affected are below the age of 70 years. The disease has devastating effect not only to the patient and their family but also to the country’s economy.
The Kenya Network of Cancer Organization(KENCO) together with the Ministry of Health(MOH) and American Cancer Society (ACS) have developed materials to create awareness on various aspects of cancer; prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliation. These were launched on 31st January 2017 at Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi. The guest of honor, Dr. Cleopa Mailu, Health Cabinet secretary said that “Cancer is the 3rd cause of death in Kenya and there is need to provide information to the public and invest more on the lower end.
The materials launched will be distributed during the World Cancer Day which will be held on the 4th February 2017 outside National Archives, Tom Mboya Street.
Caroline Mate an epidemiologist and a cancer survivor who also attended the launch emphasized that people need to check their lifestyle, go for frequent screening and the government needs to intervene more on matters to do with cancer. She also acknowledged and appreciated National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for covering all her medical bills for the treatment and urges people to be insured with them.
Roselyn Okumu a health worker who works in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Cancer Treatment Centre highlighted the challenges they including having few care givers, inadequate educational resources and patients are inadequately informed about their condition. Therefore there is need for the IEC materials to be distributed.