RE-INVENTING THE WHEEL: CONDUCTING OUTREACH TO IMPROVE CERVICAL AND BREAST CANCER SCREENING
The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Kenya.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It provides a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.
As the second most common type of cancer in women in Kenya, breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death among women overall. But early detection and screening measures can help women lower their risks and seek treatment in time.
To help spread cancer awareness and access to treatment, the County Department of Health and Sanitation has been taking part in community events throughout the month of January which culminates to holding sensitization and screening exercises in all Sub counties.
“The outreach program is taking cancer screening directly to people where they live and work are an important way of expanding the reach of lifesaving healthcare efforts,” said Ruth Koech, the CEC Member for Health and Sanitation.
“We know cancer screening saves lives, and we know that not all our citizens can travel to healthcare facilities. Mobile screening helps close the gap and ensures we reach as many people as possible,” she added.
The County Government of Nandi is also is encouraging our thousands of Nandi residents and employees to Self-Check, learn about the risks and take appropriate steps to prevent cancer. There are regular screenings offered across all Health facilities in the County to help increase the chances of early detection.
On this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we are reaching out to you to:
√ Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
√ Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
√ Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.