Kisumu cancer lab planned as first ladies join fight

From left: Kisumu Health Executive Judy Atyang’ with Nazi Kivutha (Makueni) and Dorothy Nyong’o (Kisumu) during a tour of the oncology department at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, yesterday. [Denish Ochieng’, Standard]

The management of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital has announced plans to set up a laboratory for cancer research.

Speaking during a press briefing at the facility yesterday, chief executive Peter Okoth said they would collaborate with Maseno University to construct the molecular diagnostics lab using research grants.

“The lab will help enhance biopsy tests and address scientific gaps related to cancer," said Dr Okoth.

Okoth said the facility will also set up a cancer registry to follow-up on patients whose progress will be monitored through a computerised system.

Hospital reports indicate that, on average, 30 patients are diagnosed with cancer every month. The facility handles at least 300 cancer patients in one month.

Cervical cancer is the most diagnosed followed by breast, prostate, endometrial and colorectal cancers.

“The new cases indicate very high incidences and we have to invest in a whole new dimension of cancer treatment," said Okoth.

The CEO said they would also focus on advocacy to create awareness about steps residents could take to reduce their chances of contracting the disease.

County First Ladies Association chair Nazi Kivutha, the First Lady of Makueni County, said they had partnered with the Africa Cancer Foundation and Women 4 Cancer to launch programmes in eight counties that would help combat the disease.

Mrs Kivutha said the group was in Nakuru last week and was scheduled to visit Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Meru, Laikipia and Makueni counties. The other counties set to benefit from the initiative are Kakamega and Kisumu.

Kisumu First Lady Dorothy Nyong'o said the association was committed to eradicating cancer.