Kitui County residents have been advised to undertake regular cancer screening and start early interventions and treatment if diagnosed with the disease.
Making the appeal while presiding over the marking of World Cancer day at the county’s referral hospital, w Chief Officer for public Health, Lynn Kitwan noted that the disease is very costly to treat and manage when detected at a late stage.
“Our people have unfortunately not embraced the culture of regular medical checkups and testing for early detection and treatment in order to save lives not just for cancer but any other disease”, she added.
In his speech medical supplies Chief officer Aggrey Kamba indicated that Kitui County has recorded an upward trend of new cancer cases since 2018 up to date, with a total of 958 cases reported.
FOR DRUGS & MEDICAL SUPPLIES CHIEF IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KITUI ADDRESSING THE PRESS TEAM: PHOTO/EMMANUEL MALEVE
“Of these cases, cervix, breast, and prostate cancers are the most prevalent. However, our story does not have to be gloomy as cancer is curable if detected early,” he said .
Chief Officers incharge of Medical Services Dr Benson Musyoka noted that Kitui Referral Hospital has a full-fledged cancer care facility, with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, a great milestone to Kitui people emphasizing on the need for being checked and urged people to raise awareness for cancer screening.
“In “The Kitui Promise“, the county government is determined to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The recently established Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Centre at the County’s Referral facility is one of the avenues of supporting the cancer patients”, he said.
This year’s theme of world cancer day is “Close The Care Gap : A Call To Action”
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