Step up awareness campaign to stem cancer wave

Today marks the annual cancer day. The Union of International Cancer Control has an ambitious plan to reduce global cancer cases by 2020. Despite this, cancer cases are on the rise in Kenya. According to the 2014 Kenya Economic Survey, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the country.

The Kenya Cancer Association estimates that 41,000 new cases of cancer are detected each year. Nearly 30,000 Kenyans succumb to the disease. Appropriately, 'Not beyond us" is the theme of this year's day. Hopefully, the remedy for cancer is not beyond us. The reason for marking this day is to raise cancer awareness at all levels of society. Emphasis is laid on healthy lifestyles, early detection of the disease and the treatment of diagnosed cases.

In 2011, the then Minister for Medical services, Anyang Nyongo publicly admitted he had prostate cancer and sought medical treatment in the United States, an undertaking that is way beyond the reach of the common man faced with the same predicament. After the close shave he had with cancer, Nyong'o has been at the forefront in the fight against the killer disease.

There are many types of cancers, but those commonly known due to their prevalence rates include cervical cancer, which afflicts 4,802 women, with an annual death rate of 2,451. Clearly, these statistics are quite depressing and concerted efforts are needed to stem the high death rate. Other common cancers are prostate cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer, neck cancer and skin cancer.

Like many diseases associated lifestyle, prevention is better than cure. There has been a misconception that breast cancer only affects women, but research has shown that men are at risk of contracting breast cancer as well.

It is advisable for men to be on the lookout for any unusual lumps in the areas around their breasts, especially around the nipple. Any discernible lumps must be examined by a doctor to determine whether they herald the onset of breast cancer. These checks become even more imperative when there is a history of cancer in the family.

Diagnosis of cancer in men follows the same procedure as in women. This includes ultrasound checks and mammograms. In line with adopting healthy lifestyles in the fight against cancer, regular exercise that helps in combating obesity is advised. The build-up of cholesterol in the veins as a result of poor exercise regimes leads to blockages, which is a risk factor.

Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking have been identified as some of the risk factors and moderation is therefore advised. A research paper: 'Evaluation of the safety of selected fruits and vegetables sold in the domestic markets in Kenya' conducted by scientists from the universities of Nairobi and Strathmore warned last year that vegetables and fruits available in our markets are highly contaminated. The contamination is known to cause cancer among other health hazards. Yet the gloomy prospect is not helped by the strain on the few equipment in both public and private hospitals.

 

Prof Nyong'o noted that equipment used in cancer treatment is obsolete. As such, there is need for the Government to purchase modern equipment to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate in society besides starting a National Social Health Insurance Scheme to cater for all, regardless of status. With superior equipment in hospitals, the detection and cure of cancer is made easy. Other ways to beat back the cancer wave include change in lifestyle. Avoiding stressful situations, getting enough sleep and drinking lots of water obviate cancer risk.