Free cancer screening as nation marks cancer survivors day

 

The Thika level 5 hospital has urged Kenyans to go for frequent cancer screening.

On Sunday, the hospital moved to offer free cancer screening to anyone who visits the medical institution on site.

Officials from the hospital believe there is life beyond a cancer diagnosis.

" Early diagnosis saves lives, get screened today," they said as they urged people to go for screening.

This comes as the nation marks National Cancer Survivors Day.

The hospital offered free cancer screening to encourage Kenyans to get screened as lives can be saved if cancers are detected early.

The theme of this year's National Cancer Survivors Day is : A celebration of life- I am thriving.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide.

WHO said cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020.

" Nearly one in six deaths in 2020 was as a result of cancer," WHO said. 

The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers.

WHO also said that around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.

Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30 percent  of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

" Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively," WHO said.    BY THE STAR