Murang’a residents have been challenged to go for early cancer screening for effective treatment.
According to a former Cabinet Minister, Jamleck Kamau, cases of cancer have been on increase in the region in the recent past.
Speaking during a free medical camp he organized at Kangari market in Kigumo Sub County, Friday, Kamau, said they have been screening for cervical, breast and prostate cancer, where some of the residents have been diagnosed with the disease.
Kamau added that during his past free medical camp in different parts of the county, he opted to set up a cancer screening unit, saying some people have inherent fear of going to hospitals for medical checkup.
“Luckily some of those found with cancer, it was in early stages, hence can fully be treated,” he said.
Kamau observed the other type of cancer which may be prevalent locally is that of the stomach, but which can only be screened in a well-established cancer facility.
“From my home area we have lost two people in a span of two weeks this month to stomach cancer and that’s why I appeal to locals that once you have stomach related complications, go for immediate screening,” he said.
The former cabinet minister noted that change of lifestyle and eating habits could be attributed to increased cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are expensive to manage.
Kamau expressed concern over lack of a well-equipped cancer unit in Murang’a County, promising that should he ascend to power as the next county chief executive, he would ensure a cancer unit in two hospitals.
“One of the mandates of County Administration is to provide health care to the people. I promise to set-up fully equipped centre units in two of the local hospitals and this will go a long way in offering cheap screening and treatment of cancer.” Said Kamau.
Speaking during the same occasion, Dr. George Maina, stated that currently people are being affected by non-communicable diseases due to change of lifestyles.
Dr. Maina said during their various free medical camps they educated residents on life time diseases and advised them on ways to avoid NCDs.
“This is the seventh medical camp for this year and unfortunately the pattern of diseases is changing from communicable to NCDs. There is an urgent call to our people to do early screening and get treatment if found sick,” he said.
The medic called for the establishment of a well-equipped cancer centre saying such a facility would help in early screening and treatment of the disease.
“Currently, there is no cancer unit in the county. People are forced to travel to health facilities in Thika or Nairobi to access certain types of cancer screening,” he added.
By Bernard Munyao
