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Women are twice as likely as men to undergo cancer screening, according to data from a recent promotional offer by AAR Hospital. During the discounted cancer screening campaign held in October and November, 68% of the patients screened were female, while only 32% were male.
Male participants primarily underwent renal, bladder, and prostate ultrasounds, as well as abdominopelvic cancer screenings. In contrast, women took advantage of screenings like Pap smears, mammograms, and breast ultrasounds.
“This disparity may be due to the fact that women often have more ‘ongoing, routine’ opportunities for screening during visits to their primary care doctor for issues like menstrual pains or pregnancies. Men, on the other hand, may lack similar health events that prompt them to seek care,” explained Dr. Cynthia Omina, AAR Hospital’s Head of Clinical Services.
Discounted Screening Campaigns
In October and November, AAR Hospital offered significant discounts on cancer-related screening services to encourage Kenyans to prioritize their health. For instance, the cost of renal bladder ultrasounds was reduced by 30%, from Sh10,000 to Sh7,000, while abdominal pelvic ultrasounds were discounted by Sh1,500 to Sh6,500.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, AAR Hospital halved the price of mammograms from Sh5,000 to Sh2,500 and reduced breast ultrasound costs from Sh6,000 to Sh3,500. The initiative aimed to promote early detection and improved treatment outcomes for breast cancer, which accounts for 16.1% of all cancer cases in Kenya and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
“Breast cancer screening has been proven to increase early diagnosis rates, which in turn improves treatment outcomes and survival rates,” noted Dr. Moki Mwendwa, AAR Hospital’s Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon.
In November, the hospital also marked Men’s Health Awareness Month by reducing the cost of stool occult tests from Sh1,100 to Sh900 and raising awareness about common health issues faced by men, including mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Focus on Prostate Cancer
Dr. Fidelis Waitimu of AAR Hospital highlighted prostate cancer as the most common cancer among Kenyan men. Symptoms may include:
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- A weak urinary stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in the urine
Advanced cases may present with weight loss, loss of appetite, anemia, bone pain, leg swelling, and numbness or weakness in the legs.
“The presence of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate prostate cancer. It’s vital to visit your doctor for further evaluation,” Dr. Waitimu advised. She added that prostate cancer is often diagnosed during routine screenings, even before symptoms develop.
Commitment to Health Awareness
AAR Hospital has continuously championed health awareness through initiatives like free diabetes screenings in August, which included referrals for treatment at the hospital or other healthcare centers of the patients’ choice.
These efforts underscore AAR Hospital’s dedication to addressing non-communicable diseases and promoting preventive healthcare in Kenya.
