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Kenyans at high risk of getting cancer due to low awareness

Health & Science

Many Kenyans remain significantly vulnerable to getting cancer since they are largely unaware of the factors that increase the risks of getting the disease, experts warn.

At least 80 Kenyans are believed to die daily due to cancer while 40,000 are diagnosed with the disease every year, raising alarm bells among health experts.

The figures are believed to be far higher because the data collected is only in Nairobi.

The Kenya Cancer Association has cautioned that low awareness of risk factors for cancer among Kenyans may result in more cases of cancer in the near future.

The Association's Programmes Coordinator Jarim Omogi attributed the situation to lack of robust public awareness campaigns about cancer by the government and other stakeholders.

"It is a matter of significant concern that many Kenyans don't know much about cancer even though the disease is killing many. Some people still believe it is a curse. This lack of knowledge is weakening efforts to combat the disease," he said.

According to the Ministry of Health National Cancer Control Strategy, some of the risk factors for cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, being overweight or obese, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.

In addition, HIV/AIDS increases risks of skin cancer and blood cell cancers while Human Papilloma Virus, transmitted through sex, increases risks for cervical cancer. Also, hepatitis B and C viruses increase risks of liver cancer among others.

Omogi called for public education about the risk factors for cancer to enable Kenyans protect themselves from the disease.

He also suggested enhanced efforts to vaccinate Kenyans at risk of cervical cancer and Hepatitis B in order to prevent the disease.

On his part, Dr Ahmed Kalebi, an honorary Lecturer in the University of Nairobi, said that about 40% of cancers are preventable through interventions such as tobacco control, promotion of healthy diets, physical activity and protection against exposure to environmental substances that are believed to cause cancer.

"Prevention of cancer is the most cost-effective long-term strategy of controlling cancer by avoiding the risk factors. This should be adopted robustly to minimise incidences of cancer in the country," he advised.  

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