By Anchor Writer

Kathonzweni

Makueni County is grappling with a concerning rise in cancer cases, with the numbers surging by 31 percent over the past year.

The alarming statistics were revealed during the commemoration of World Cancer Day, at an event graced by Makueni County First Lady Anita Mutula at Kathonzweni Health Center.

Data from the Makueni County Referral Hospital indicates that cancer cases rose from 1,745 in 2023 to 2,270 in 2024.

In response, the County Government plans to expand its cancer treatment center to accommodate the growing number of patients.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Mutula noted that the County’s October 2024 surgical camp uncovered numerous cancer cases, particularly prostate cancer. Furthermore, a breast cancer screening week in the same month revealed a 9.8 percent positivity rate, highlighting the urgent need for routine screening.

Hospital registries show that breast cancer was the most diagnosed type in Makueni in 2024, with 555 cases (552 women and 3 men), followed by prostate cancer at 479 cases, and cervical cancer at 210 cases.

Mrs. Mutula expressed concern over the low uptake of the HPV vaccine in the county, stressing the importance of vaccinating young girls to curb cervical cancer. “We must take urgent steps to protect our daughters and save lives,” she said.

To strengthen early detection efforts, the First Lady launched a three-month community-based, digitalized cancer screening program focusing on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

The county has been working with partners such as the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Roche, and Savannah Global Health Institute to enhance cancer prevention, screening, and treatment initiatives.

The rise in cancer cases underscores the critical need for awareness, regular screenings, and accessible healthcare services to combat the growing burden of the disease.