As Kenya prepares for the annual Kenya International Cancer Conference this week, organisers Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) have rolled out a free medical camp at the Mamboleo area in Kisumu to provide cancer education, screening, and general medical checkups to residents.
More than 800 people from Kisumu benefited from the medical services offered during the camp, which focused on raising awareness about cancer and improving access to healthcare.
Njoki Njiriani, the chairperson of the Kenya International Cancer Conference, emphasized the importance of the medical camp in addressing cancer awareness and access to healthcare.
She said this comprehensive medical camp is a collaboration of various health stakeholders and partners, aimed at providing essential cancer screenings, health education, and general medical checkups to the local community.
“We are conducting screenings for cervical, prostate, and oesophagal cancer, alongside breast cancer education and general health checkups. We expect to reach between 800 to 1,000 people,” Njiriani said.
As the third leading cause of death in Kenya, cancer is a major public health concern, placing a great burden on families, communities and the health system.
In 2020, Kenya reported 42,000 new cancer cases and 27,000 cancer-related deaths.
The five most common cancers in Kenya are breast, cervical, prostate, esophagus,, and colorectal.
"A woman’s illness is not just her burden; it affects the entire household. When a woman is unwell, the whole house is unwell," said Njiriani stressing the importance of timely cancer intervention for the entire family unit.
The upcoming conference is expected to draw participants from across Africa and the World, with more than 200 experts in attendance, including doctors, nurses, radiotherapy specialists and laboratory personnel.
"These experts will share their knowledge. Policymakers like the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute will also join us to shape the conversation on cancer management for the next two years,” she added.
The conference will take place, starting with pre-conference training sessions on Wednesday, followed by the main event running from Thursday to Saturday.
Dr. Zippora Ali underscored the outreach initiative as part of the conference's commitment to benefiting the local community.
“We are screening women for cervical and breast cancer, vaccinating young girls against HPV, and screening men over 55 for prostate cancer. Additionally, health workers are providing general wellness checkups, including blood pressure assessments,” Dr. Ali explained.
“The outreach programme is a collaborative effort involving various partners and the Kisumu County Government. The response has been encouraging. Beyond Zero is also here offering additional health services, and we hope to vaccinate more children."
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, who attended the medical camp, noted that cancer has been a source of fear for many, but with advancements in treatment, the disease is no longer a death sentence.
"Cancer is on the rise in the country, but with early detection and treatment, we can manage it like any other disease," he said.
The governor highlighted the importance of initiatives like these in reducing the stigma around cancer and encouraging people to seek help early. He commended the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology(KESHO) for organising the conference within the Lakeside city.
Kisumu County's CEC of Health, Gregory Ganda, also underscored the significance of the upcoming conference t, calling it a major step forward in cancer prevention and care for the region.
"This conference and outreach are vital for Kisumu as we discuss how to prevent, treat, and improve cancer care in our community," he added.
