Female bikers from Nairobi and Nyeri Counties, on Saturday October 24, took up the challenge of spreading breast cancer awareness by riding close to 100 km from Nairobi to Sagana.
The initiative dubbed "Bikers for Boobies" advocates for Cancer Awareness and Screening for early detection in both males and females. Furthermore, the association aimed at bringing the topic of cancer to the forefront by sensitizing Kenyans on the importance of early detection.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke event Organizer, Wambui Mureithi emphasized on the importance of creating awareness among Kenyans. She highlighted that the aim of the association was to encourage youths to follow their hearts and live their dreams.
"We have bikers from all walks of life. They are all in different careers, but we come together for a greater cause. Today was the culmination of the initiative, we have been in different areas, advocating for cancer awareness and for Kenyans to go for regular screen tests," she said.
She stated that every biker in their association was inspired by the need to spread awareness, curb stigma in the community as well as stand in solidarity with family members or friends affected.
Kenyan female biker Njeri Mwangi shared her experience of the loss of her mother-in-law 17 years ago due to cancer, which deprived her and her kids of ever meeting the mother. Another female biker Wangui Njue, also narrated a tramautizing experience of visiting her friend who struggled with breast cancer.
Their male counterparts were also not left out at the event as they came out in numbers to support the group. KTN anchor Michael Gitonga stated that it was time to change the status quo and eradicate the stereotype associated with cancer only affecting women.
"The misunderstanding that breast cancer is only specific for women should stop. Men also do get breast cancer and the disease is real. Today we came out to support our sister counterparts and to spread the awareness," Gitonga said.
Muthoni Mate, founder Cancer Cafe, held educational sessions with the bikers as they discussed various aspects of cancer management and prevention. She also pointed out the stigma that surrounds most patients hence they fear seeking medical treatment.
World Health Organisation ranks cancer as the second leading cause of death globally accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths. The major risk factors attributed to causing the disease include tobacco smoking, physical inactivities, alcohol intake, unhealthy dieting.
Health CAS Rashid Aman, on October 9, advocated for early detection as the best prevention measure for against the disease. He observed that cancer had become an issue of public health concern in Kenya, causing a burden on the health system being the third cause of death with an annual of 47,000 cases and 32,000 deaths.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer in Kenya with 5,900 new cases annually. The uptake of screening services is still low in the country.
"I encourage women to take advantage of cancer services to get screened and know your condition for early intervention," he stated.
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