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Nairobi, Kenya – Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, CEO of Texas Cancer Center and a leading oncologist, has praised Kenya’s revised National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines, launched as part of the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Strategy (NCCS) 2023-2027.
Kenya faces a significant cancer burden, with the disease ranking as the third leading cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. GLOBOCAN 2022 data reports an annual incidence of 44,726 cancer cases in Kenya, resulting in 29,317 deaths. Among men, prostate cancer leads in prevalence, while women are most affected by breast and cervical cancers.
The updated guidelines aim to standardize screening and early detection practices nationwide, addressing gaps in care and ensuring evidence-based practices across public and private health facilities. Dr. Nyongesa emphasized the impact of early diagnosis, stating, “These guidelines will empower healthcare providers to deliver standardized, high-quality care, reducing cancer-related mortality and bridging disparities in access to treatment.”
The revisions incorporate local epidemiological data and global evidence, aligning Kenya with international commitments to enhance cancer prevention and universal health coverage. Prevention efforts, including lifestyle changes and early detection, remain pivotal, with the World Health Organization estimating that 30-50% of cancers are preventable.
This development signals a critical step forward in Kenya’s fight against cancer, with stakeholders, county governments, and health providers united in reducing preventable deaths and improving patient outcomes.
