Dr Zeinab Gura Julia, Director-General of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), launches breast cancer treatment services on Thursday, October 29./lAWRENCE ONGARO
By Lawrence Ongaro
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, has launched breast cancer screening and mammogram services to strengthen early detection and treatment of the disease.
The initiative was launched during an event held at KUTRRH from October 27 to 30, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, innovators and other stakeholders.
The programme, dubbed Breast Cancer Screening and Mammogram Services, seeks to encourage women to seek early medical attention, undergo regular screening and access timely treatment.
KUTRRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Zeinabu Gura said collaboration among different stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, academics, researchers, innovators and medical professionals, was essential in strengthening breast cancer care.
The event was held under the theme, “Integrated Action for All: Strengthening Breast Cancer Care.”
Dr Gura emphasised that early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and continuous monitoring of patients were critical components of effective cancer management.
She said close monitoring of patients throughout the treatment process would help prevent delays and improve recovery outcomes.
She also urged patients who had undergone surgery to attend regular follow-up appointments to enable medical professionals to assess their recovery and provide specialised care where necessary.
Experts urge early screening
Dr Gura called on women across the country to take personal responsibility for their health by undergoing regular breast cancer screening instead of waiting until the disease had advanced before seeking medical attention.
During the event, doctors and other healthcare specialists shared insights into the management of breast and liver cancer, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to specialised treatment.
The medical professionals reported that approximately 600 breast cancer cases were recorded in Kenya in 2022.
Some of the doctors and nurses who attended the breast cancer surgery launch./LAWRENCE ONGARO
They noted that Kenya had developed a strong pool of medical specialists capable of providing breast cancer treatment and conducting specialised surgical procedures.
Read more: KUTRRH nurses urged to advance studies during Nurses Week
The experts added that several African countries, including Nigeria, Algeria and Ivory Coast, were sending medical professionals to Kenya to gain additional knowledge and expertise in cancer surgery and research.
On liver cancer, the specialists identified excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among young people, as one of the factors contributing to the disease.
They stressed that patients who seek medical advice and treatment early stand a better chance of receiving timely care and improving their recovery prospects.
One of the patients who had undergone surgery, Lucy Njeri, said awareness creation, emotional encouragement and access to specialised post-surgery counselling and support were essential in helping patients cope with the disease.
She emphasised the need to give cancer patients hope and ensure they receive appropriate guidance and support throughout their recovery journey.
Some of the doctors and nurses march ahead of the launch of breast cancer surgery services at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). /LAWRENCE ONGARO
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