County Government of Laikipia

LHS Nanyuki has commenced free breast and cervical cancer screenings in its new Empower Clinic as it steps up efforts to address the rising burden of cancer treatment on the communities' middle and low-income earners.

The initiative, which targets women between the ages of 25 and 49 years, is meant to raise public awareness of the benefits that come with the early diagnosis of the life-threatening disease among women of prime age.

The development comes in the wake of the rising cases of unbearable financial burdens on families when it comes to treating cancer. The objective of the clinic is to mitigate these setbacks in society.

Ms. Susan Wanjohi, a nurse at the cancer center explains that the financial implications that come with treating advanced cancer alone, should be the driving force for more people to consider regular screenings for early diagnosis. There has been low uptake of free screening which contributes to heavy financial burdens in the future as it affects women at their very prime ages.

Here is the interesting bit, the medic observes, Cervical cancer is second to breast cancer in prevalence in the country, but it (cervical) is responsible for more deaths than breast cancer. The reason is, very many people shy away from any form of medical examination that involves their private parts, thus more women will turn up when it's extremely necessary, and that means the condition has progressed to life life-threatening stages. says Ms. Wanjohi.

The decision to establish the cervical cancer clinic was arrived at following a baseline survey involving women at LHS Nanyuki and several other health facilities within its cluster.

The study pointed to a serious rising prevalence of cervical cancer in the region. Cervical cancer is curable when diagnosed early. When it is not curable, it is possible to slow its progression, prolong lifespan and relieve symptoms such as pain and vaginal bleeding.

The disease is among the leading killer non-communicable diseases in the country, with cervical cancer alone being responsible for over 3,000 deaths annually.

A 2019 report estimates that 13.45 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The estimates indicate that every year 5250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, with over 3,000 dying from the disease.

Cervical cancer is mostly caused by Human Papillomavirus, HPV, which is sexually transmitted.

While a healthy immune system can clear infection in 12 to 24 months from the time of transmission, the persistence can occur for up to 10 to 15 years, making it hard to control among the population.

HPV is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer, in addition to others such as compromised immune system due to HIV, smoking, having several sexual partners among others. HPV is also the primary cause of cervical cancer, genital warts, and cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.

Presently, girls of ten years and below can be vaccinated against the viral infection, with the effectiveness ranging from six years to 11, depending on the type of vaccine. The HPV vaccine, which is administered in two doses six months apart, has the potential to cut the burden of cervical cancer by 70 percent, according to the Ministry of Health.

Cervical cancer symptoms and signs include blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods, menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding after menopause, among others. Persons who experience such symptoms are encouraged to go consider prompt screenings.