CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN KAKAMEGA

Kakamega Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes joined the County First Lady H.E Prof. Janet Kassily Barasa on Friday as she hosted First Ladies from Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) member during the launch of Community Cancer Awareness, Screening and HPV Vaccination at Matungu Sub-County Hospital in Matungu Sub-county.

In her speech, the First Lady noted that Cancer of the Cervix is the second leading cause of cancer deaths contributing to 10 percent of all cancer deaths. This, she added, accounts for 5,250 (12.9 percent) of new cancer cases and 3,286 (11.84 percent) of all cancer deaths annually. In 2022 the Cancer Centre screened a total of 1,915 people for Cervical Cancer and 1,335 for Breast Cancer.

According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Health, 99 percent of Cervical Cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus- HPV, which is preventable. Prof. Kassily encouraged everyone to get screened noting that early diagnosis yields positive results in cancer treatment.

The First Lady, who is also the County Nutrition Champion encouraged members of the public to embrace a healthy eating habit consisting of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; and avoid red or processed meat, too much sugar, sweetened beverages and highly processed foods.

Engaging in physical activities or exercises as a routine, she noted, is a way of keeping the disease at bay adding that all types of cancer are curable if detected early and managed effectively.

She thanked LREB, Matibabu Foundation, Africa Cancer Foundation, USAID BORESHA JAMII, USAID 4TheChild, County Officials, and all health stakeholders who made the event a success.

All Sub-Counties will benefit from this important initiative.