This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On the occasion of National Cancer Survivor's Day, celebrated globally on the first Sunday in June, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the importance of cancer awareness and early screening.
Speaking during the daily COVID-19 briefing at Afya House on Sunday, Kagwe hailed the long-standing partnership between the civil society, media, professional organizations, development partners, and the Ministry of Health in sensitizing the public about the killer disease.
"Today, we celebrate the National Cancer Survivor's Day, an annual event held globally to honor cancer survivors and to show that indeed life after cancer diagnosis is possible, can be fruitful, rewarding and inspiring," Kagwe said.
He added that the day is an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer and the importance of screening for early diagnosis, if they are to achieve better treatment outcomes and cancer survivorship.
As the government continues to put in place measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Kagwe emphasized that it will continue to address the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship through the promotion of resources that will improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.
"Our survivors prove that cancer is not all gloom and gloom and that, indeed we can overcome cancer if we avoid factors, such as tobacco and excessive alcohol use, as well as seeking healthcare early enough," Kagwe said.
