The male gender continues to lag behind in proactive cancer management, the organisers of the ‘Let’s Fight this Battle Together’ Cancer screening camps have revealed. Following the successful hosting of the second screening camp hosted by Nakumatt Holdings in conjunction with the Faraja Cancer Support Trust in Kakamega County, the organisers noted that men trail women in cancer screening.
Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah, speaking when he received the final tally of screened cases at the close of the Kakamega camp, implored men folk to cancer screening. The free screenings are financed from cash donations and smart point redemption made by Nakumatt shoppers during the month of October.
The ‘Let’s Fight this Battle Together’ campaign aims to create awareness about the importance of early detection in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Last year, Kshs 14.2 million was raised by Nakumatt shoppers Countrywide.
“Participating in screening camps makes a lot of sense and needs to be embraced by all men not just ladies to facilitate early stage detection of any cancerous cases,” Mr Shah said.
During the Kakamega camp, Mr Shah disclosed that 633 ladies had participated in the screening compared to 613 men. From the screening exercise, 54 suspicious cases were isolated and referred for further diagnostic examinations while 12 cryotherapy treatments were delivered on site. The screening focused on breast, cervical and prostate cancer.
“The cancer burden can be heavy on the economy due to the social and emotional anguish that patients go through. At Nakumatt we are therefore support the screening initiatives to alleviate the plight of the less fortunate who have no access to formal screening services,” said Mr. Shah.
Phillip Odiyo, Patient Support Manager from Faraja Cancer Trust asserts, “Most types of cancers can be cured when detected early. This is not limited to the types of cancers that are screened on the day. We urge residence to take advantage of these screening drives as early detection, diagnosis and treatment can greatly increase chances of effective treatment and survival.”
