City residents turned up for free cancer screening yesterday during the launch of Beth Mugo Cancer Foundation. The screening was done for breast, prostate and cervical cancer, which are considered to be the prevalent cases in the country. Government statistics reveal that 27,000 cancer patients die annually, making it the third leading cause of death.
The Aga Khan University Hospital becomes the only hospital in East and Central Africa to use an ultra modern PET CT scanner and Cyclotron system for cancer checks that will greatly change diagnostic medicine in Kenya and across the region #AKUHNPETCTLaunch #EarlyCancerDetection pic.twitter.com/gMNHXQ3S62
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) October 26, 2018
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta called for increased awareness and screening to avoid such deaths. “We must no longer agree to diagnose this disease at advanced stages when the chances of survival are minimal,” said Mrs Kenyatta while launching the foundation at Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
The First Lady also announced that the Beyond Zero Campaign, through Agha Khan Foundation, had donated a fully equipped mobile clinic for screening purposes in remote regions.
The Beth Mugo Cancer Foundation will mainly focus on the highly prevalent cancers by promoting public awareness, creating demand for screening and early detection and providing financial support for effective programmes and services on prevention and control, among others.
The foundation chairperson Senator Beth Mugo noted that breast cancer contributes to over 17 per cent of the five-year prevalence rate for all cancers followed by cervical cancer at 15 per cent and prostate cancer. Jane Kamau, a resident of Roysambu, who had queued for more than an hour applauded the initiative noting that she could not afford to carry out the test earlier.
Kenya becomes the 4th Country in Africa to acquire the PET CT scanner and Cyclotron machine, a major milestone for the country #AKUHNPETCTLaunch #EarlyCancerDetection pic.twitter.com/ypNeFtdMXP
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) October 26, 2018
What a brilliant initiative by the First Lady,i hope the health services will be available for all Kenyans and this will help curb the numerous deaths caused by ignorance and lack of funds.
Kudos First Lady!