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Concern over rising cervical cancer cases as Nakuru ranks second in the country

Dr Dulcie Wanda explains how cervical cancer forms in the body during a sensitization forum in Nakuru on January 16, 2024.

Photo credit: Reitz Mureithi/Mtaa Wangu

By  REITZ MUREITHI

Lead Content Editor

Mtaa Wangu

Cancer specialists have raised concerns over the high number of cervical cancer cases in Nakuru County, which is second only to Nairobi.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Nakuru recorded 3,561 cases in 2023, a number that has been steadily increasing since 2019.

This, the institute says, has necessitated radical measures to raise public awareness, leading to the celebration of the national Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Nakuru from 20-24 January.

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At the sub-county level, oncologist Dr Dulcie Wanda notes that Nakuru East leads in cases with 17 percent of the total, followed by Naivasha with 13 percent and Gilgil with 11 per cent.

Kuresoi North sub-county has the lowest number of cases, contributing one per cent to the total.

Commenting on the care of cancer patients at the Regional Cancer Centre in Nakuru, Dr Wanda notes that the cancer centre has come a long way from only offering chemotherapy to now offering radiotherapy.

"Currently, we have one machine that offers radiotherapy and another that offers brachytherapy, which is mainly used to treat patients with cervical cancer," says Dr Wanda.

She adds that a second bunker is under construction and when it is completed, it will house a second radiotherapy machine.

"This will mean that we will be able to treat more patients, reduce waiting times and ensure that we win the battle against cancer," Dr Wanda says with a smile.

According to Dr Joyce Ncece, the district's chief public health officer, uptake of the HPV vaccine, which is aimed at girls between the ages of 9 and 14, is still low.

"There are misconceptions about the vaccine, including rumours that it makes you infertile. This is not true. We urge parents to have their girls vaccinated. It is the surest way to prevent cervical cancer," says Dr Ncece passionately.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if detected early.

While agreeing with Dr Ncece, Dr Wanda says that other preventive measures against cervical cancer include regular screening and annual cervical smears.