Source: KBC
Date 4th February 2013
Written By:KBC Reporter
It is estimated that deaths resulting from Cancer will rise to over 11 million by 2030 if nothing is done.
Every year 7% of deaths in Kenya are as a result of Cancer. Kenya joined the rest of the world in commemorating the world cancer day with the theme Dispelling the damaging myths and misconceptions about Cancer with the need to improve awareness and knowledge of the disease.
On the 4th of February every year, the world unites in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.
In Kenya, Cancer ranks third as a cause of death after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to 7% of total mortality every year.
Annually, over 28,500 new cases of cancer are diagnosed while 22,100 people die of the disease annually.
Some of the myths about cancer include; Cancer is just a health issue, Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries, Cancer is contagious, Cancer is a death sentence, Cancer is caused by witchcraft.
Breast, Cervical and Throat are the leading Cancers in women whereas esophagus, prostate and Kaposi sarcoma are most in men.
Advances in understanding risk and prevention, early detection and treatment have revolutionized the management of cancer leading to improved outcomes for patients.
However, prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable way of reducing the global cancer burden in the long-term.
