The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has identified breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, oesophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer as the five leading types responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths in the country. NCI-K Chair Timothy Olweny, speaking on Wednesday, July 29, branded these as the 'Big Five' and stressed that aggressive measures to prevent their occurrence are paramount to effectively combatting the growing cancer menace. He highlighted prevention as a cornerstone in the fight against a disease claiming tens of thousands of lives annually.
Olweny further elaborated on the demographic patterns, noting that breast and cervical cancers predominantly affect women, while prostate cancer is more prevalent in men.
Oesophageal and colorectal cancers, however, cut across both genders. An Image of Cancer Ribbons File Beyond the mortality, he emphasized the devastating psychological and economic toll cancer exacts, pushing families into debt and poverty. "When we talk about deaths in the tens of thousands - and that might even be an underestimation - it means cancer is a serious national issue," Olweny noted "If we could make a significant impact in managing those Big Five, it would put a huge dent in terms of the impact of cancer and its burden in our country," he added.
Figures paint a grim picture.