Former National Transport and Safety Authority boss Lee Kinyanjui has proposed mandatory cancer screening from childhood to facilitate early detection.
Kinyanjui expressed concern that cancer cases are on the rise and more people are having it at a tender age.
“It is worrying how young people continue to suffer and die because of cancer. As a country we cannot just sensitization should be increased,” he added.
According to Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations data, cancer is the highest cause of death rate in Kenya.
February 2013 presentation by Dr. Jessie Githanga, pediatric oncologist at Kenyatta National Hospital, childhood cancer accounted for 15% of admissions at KNH (1998-2008).
“Early detection facilitates treatment and ease suffering. We must put our efforts together to face this monster,” Kinyanjui said.
In Kenya, largest percentage of cancer cases is diagnosed in late stages due to lack of awareness, high poverty index and high cost of treatment.
