- The World Health Organization says Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths in 2022
- Currently, about 82,000 people in Kenya are living with the disease
Thika Level 5 Hospital is set to provide comprehensive cancer treatment services after acquiring an essential equipment for safe preparation of chemotherapy.
The biosafety cabinet, now available at the diagnostic wing, will safeguard healthcare workers and the environment from hazardous chemotherapy drugs.
Its advanced system effectively minimises the risk of exposure to toxic substances.
Hospital's superintendent Dr Patrick Nyaga said the new machine will significantly enhance the quality of cancer care.
He said it will make cancer treatment more accessible also minimise patients' long distance travels for chemotherapy.
“We are experiencing a rise in cancer cases in Thika and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their conditions and those who go for screening, do it so late," Nyaga said.
"With the introduction of this new machine, we now have the opportunity to save many lives through timely treatment and eliminate the need to refer patients to Nairobi or even to India."
The chemotherapy machine will also ensure the sterility of the medication, improving both the safety and effectiveness of treatments.
Nyaga urged the government to allocate additional funds to enhance and equip the screening facility to improve service delivery.
Cancer is a killer disease with significant economic repercussions.
“I urge all residents to take advantage of this facility and come for regular breast, cervical and prostate cancer screenings. Early detection through routine screenings allows medical professionals to identify these diseases at an early stage and implement a treatment plan promptly, preventing the disease from advancing to life-threatening levels,” he said.
The World Health Organization says Kenya reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths in 2022.
Currently, about 82,000 people in Kenya are living with the disease.
The Ministry of Health says the five most prevalent cancers are breast, cervical, prostate, esophageal and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
They make about 48 per cent of the overall cancer burden in the country.
Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Kiambu, Meru and Nyandarua counties are the top six counties with the highest number of cancer cases.
MOH has prioritised cancer diagnosis, care and treatment, making it more affordable.
Social Health Authority seeks to give a greater relief from the financial burden of cancer care.
The scheme will cover high costs associated with cancer treatment.