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 loss of lives 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 combating the growing cancer menace.
He highlighted prevention as a cornerstone in the battle 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.
Beyond the mortality, he emphasized the devastating psychological and economic toll cancer exacts, pushing families into debt and poverty.
"When we talk about these casualties, 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. According to global cancer observatories such as GLOBOCAN, Kenya records approximately 6,799 to 7,243 new cases of breast cancer annually, placing it as the leading cancer amongst women in the country.
For cervical cancer, approximately 5,236 to 5,250 new cases occur annually. It is the second most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related casualties in women in Kenya.
Prostate cancer in men records approximately 2,800 to 3,412 new cases annually, and it is the most common cancer among men in Kenya. Oesophageal cancer, the cancer of the oesophagus, which can be caused by poor lifestyle and dietary habits, records approximately 3,000 to 4,300 new cases annually.
This is a particularly concerning cancer in Kenya, especially in parts of Central and Western Kenya, with very high casualty rates often due to late diagnosis.
As for colorectal cancer, approximately 1,354 to 1,900 new cases occur annually, with experts raising alarm over its rapid rise in recent years.
This type of cancer affects the colon and the rectum and can lead to changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, weakness, and excessive weight loss.
Cumulatively, 42,116 new cancer cases are reported annually, making the Big Five account for 52 per cent of new cancer cases reported annually. Statistics also revealed that since 2020, 27,092 people have succumbed to cancer in the country.
To curb the prevalence of cancer in Kenya, Olweny emphasised the need for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. He also called for greater distribution of resources to the National Cancer Institute to aid in its mandate of tackling cancer.
