Kenya continues to grapple with a growing cancer burden, with new figures painting a worrying picture of the disease’s impact on the population.
According to the Ministry of Health, an estimated122 Kenyans are diagnosed with various forms of cancer every day, while about eight people die daily from the disease. Data from the National Cancer Institute further shows that approximately 47,000 Kenyans are diagnosed with cancer annually, with nearly 32,000 deaths linked to cancer-related illnesses.
The rising numbers have renewed calls for enhanced prevention, early detection, and improved access to treatment across the country.
In October last year, the government announced plans to increase financial support for cancer treatment from Sh500,000 to Sh800,000 per patient, aimed at easing the heavy cost burden faced by patients and their families. Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Social Health Authority (SHA) is streamlining mechanisms to ensure the proposed increase is fully implemented.
“The Social health Authority and Digital Health Agency are making everything in place to make sure that the package is now enhanced. This is to protect our families from the catastrophic spending that has historically driven many of them into poverty,” said Duale.
He noted that the government remains committed to strengthening cancer care through increased funding, improved infrastructure, and partnerships with key stakeholders in the health sector.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute ,handed over an additional cancer treatment machine to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Cancer Centre. The new equipment is expected to enhance service delivery and reduce patient congestion at the facility.
Coast General remains a key referral centre for cancer care in the Coastal region, serving an estimated 13,000 patients annually from Mombasa and neighbouring counties.
Meanwhile, health experts in Mombasa County have intensified public awareness campaigns on cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. The disease is largely caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
To markCervical Cancer Awareness Month, observed every January, healthcare workers conducted awareness walks across the city, urging women to seek regular screening and embrace preventive measures, including HPV vaccination.
