Cancer is killing more women than men in Kenya according to World Helth Organization Kenya data.
Last year, for instance, there were 28,688 new cancer cases among women and 19,199 among men.
The Ministry of Health has revealed that in Kenya cancer ranks third as a cause of death after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
“Cancer is one of the major NCDs and combined with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases causes over 30% of all deaths and about 50% bed occupancy in all hospitals in the country,” Health CS Sicily Kariuki said.
Prostrate and Oesophagus cancer continues to be the most prevalent among men while breast and cervical cancer are most prevalent in women.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga urged women to go for cervical and breast cancer screening and men for breast and prostate cancer check-ups at the County Referral Hospital.
“We are doing free cancer screening at PGH and it is time you visit the hospital for the services,” Kahiga said.
In total, there were 47,887 new cancer cases in Kenya and 32,987 reported deaths.