Five types of cancer have been pinpointed by health authorities as causing the most cancer-related deaths in Kenya.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) points to breast, cervical, prostate, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers now dubbed the “Big Five”n as causing most new cases and deaths each year.
Speaking on July 29, NCI-K Chair Dr. Timothy Olweny further noted that cancer in Kenya is not just a health issue anymore but a national emergency affecting thousands of families.
Dr. Olweny invited Kenyans to take more notice of prevention, early screening, and treatment, especially for the five most prevalent ones.
“These cancers are taking a bigger toll. If we detect them early, we can save many lives,” Dr. Olweny said.
Figures show breast cancer leads among women with over 7,000 new cases every year, followed by cervical cancer with around 5,200 cases.
Prostate cancer leads among men while oesophageal and colorectal cancers hit both men and women.
Experts warn that late diagnosis, especially in rural areas, is aggravating the crisis.
Since 2020, more than 27,000 have lost their lives to cancer in Kenya.
Dr. Olweny asked for more funding, better screening programs, and public awareness to help reduce the burden.
“Cancer does not just affect the patient. It emotionally and financially exhausts families. We must act now,” he further added.
