This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko launched a free cancer screening drive in Nairobi on Monday, aiming to reach more residents.
As of now, 300 people have been screened at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Mbagathi Hospitals in Nairobi.
Of the screened individuals, 22 have been diagnosed with cancer, with seven women found to have breast cancer and one man testing positive for prostate cancer at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
At Mbagathi Hospitals, 12 women were found to have cervical cancer.
According to Medical Superintendent Musa Mohamed, 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 an advanced stage," he said.
The cancer screening drive will be ongoing at the two hospitals in collaboration with Kenyatta National Hospital, as announced by Governor Sonko.
As part of the county government's efforts to combat cancer, a serious cancer sensitization program is being planned to highlight preventive measures.
Health executive Mohamed Dagane emphasized the importance of focusing on preventive measures, stating, "We have been told it's more about lifestyle and the foods we eat, the environment we stay in, and other minor factors. That's why we have to go back to the drawing board and address this issue head on."
