A call has been made to women aged above 16 years to go for early breast cancer screening.
Wife of chief Cabinet Secretary nominee Musalia Mudavadi, Tessie Musalia observed research has indicated that every woman has genes which can lead to breast cancer thus the need for early screening.
Speaking to cancer survivors in Murang’a where she launched solar jikos, Tessie said it is important for every woman to be screened for breast cancer often for early diagnosis which ensures effective treatment.
Treatment of cancer, Tessie added, is very expensive saying it has remained a burden to families with cancer patients.
“It’s unfortunate that many cancer cases are detected when it’s too late. Treatment of cancer has forced families to sell their properties to afford medication. Even some cancer patients have been abandoned by their people due to huge expenses incurred to treat and manage the disease.
“As we mark breast cancer month, Musalia Mudavadi foundation, apart from supporting some patients to get needed medication, is encouraging women to go for screening several times in a year,” she said during an occasion that was graced by Ahadi Kenya Trust executive director, Stanley Kamau.
During the occasion, a section of breast cancer survivors from Murang’a County were issued with solar jikos which were innovated by university lecturer, Professor Keziah Ngugi.
Tessie lauded the innovation saying it will keep the survivors from inhaling smoke while cooking. “I like this innovation. It will prevent the beneficiaries from inhaling smoke while cooking. Smoke is not good for cancer patients,” she added.
On his part, Mr Kamau said his organization will sponsor training for social and community workers to know the techniques of making the solar cookers.
Praising the innovation, Kamau said people in rural areas face the challenge of getting fuel to prepare their meals adding the solar jikos are environmentally friendly.
“Cancer survivors among other patients also face challenges to get firewood or gas to cook. With this kind of innovation, my organization will embark on training people in villages on how to make solar cookers. Luckily, the jikos are made of locally available materials,” he added.
One of the cancer survivors, Lucy Kamau decried the high cost incurred for treatment of cancer saying some patients are suffering in villages since they cannot afford needed money for medication.
She urged the government to intervene and reduce costs for treatment of cancer. “Families with cancer patients are really suffering. The money needed is out of reach for patients and we ask the government to zero-rate cancer treatment,” added Lucy.
Professor Ngugi speaking during the occasion said she used simple technology to make the solar jikos.
The materials for the cookers, she added, are locally available saying she will support training of interested residents on how to make the jikos.
“Making the jikos is simple and as a way to support conservation of our environment, it’s time to think of solar energy. The cookers can cook simple meals and warm water,” noted Ngugi.
By Bernard Munyao
