This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Nairobi, August 10, 2019
At least 22 people have been diagnosed with cancer following a free screening exercise at Mama Lucy Hospital and Mbagathi Hospitals in Nairobi.
According to health officials, the cases are at a manageable stage, with seven women diagnosed with breast cancer and one man with prostate cancer at Mama Lucy Hospital.
Twelve women were found to have cervical cancer at Mbagathi Hospital.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko applauded residents for turning up for the screening, saying it shows they are ready to tackle the disease.
"The numbers that we have seen turn up for screening is encouraging. It shows we are all ready to tackle the monster," said Sonko.
He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, saying it is the first weapon against cancer.
Musa Mohamed, medical superintendent at Mama Lucy Hospital, said the cases can be controlled if relevant treatment is administered in time.
"We found eight cases but we want to tell the victims that they can control their situation because it is not at advanced stage," he said.
The screening exercise is ongoing at the two facilities, with the county having adequate machines for screening.
Sonko said the screening will be a continuous process at the county facilities, and he called on city residents to avail themselves for the free exercise.
The exercise is being done in collaboration with the Kenyatta National Hospital.
