Nakuru County, Kenya, is intensifying breast cancer awareness and early detection efforts as national cancer data reveals the scale of the disease and the consequences of delayed diagnosis. According to Dr. Dulcie Wanda, Clinical Radiation Oncologist at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH), early medical assessment improves the chances of successful treatment. Wanda urged residents to seek clinical examinations rather than wait until they notice physical changes.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) recorded 398 breast cancer cases among Nakuru residents between 2020 and 2023, making it the second-highest county total after Nairobi. Wanda noted that the registry recorded 460 cases diagnosed in Nakuru facilities, including patients whose usual residence was elsewhere. The data also revealed a further challenge: late diagnosis, with 840 cases representing 37.2 per cent diagnosed at Stage IV, and another 31.4 per cent at Stage III.
The campaign also challenged the misconception that breast cancer affects women only. Breast cancer survivor Ndung’u Chege urged men to seek medical assessment, saying they should not assume they are immune to the disease. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, men account for approximately 0.5 to one per cent of breast cancer cases globally. The programme offered free breast clinic consultations every Wednesday, discounted ultrasound services, and reduced mammography charges for eligible patients.
Kenya’s National Cancer Control Strategy identifies delays in diagnosis, limited diagnostic infrastructure, and shortages of specialised personnel as barriers to effective cancer care. The strategy notes that about 70 per cent of cancer cases nationally are diagnosed at advanced stages. Across Africa, the WHO Regional Office for Africa says more than 70 per cent of breast cancer cases in most countries are detected late.
In September 2026, WHO Regional Director-level official Dr. Benido Impouma called for stronger primary healthcare capacity to recognise suspicious symptoms, conduct initial assessments, and refer patients promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Impouma emphasised that frontline health workers play a crucial role in preventing patients from being lost between initial assessment and specialised treatment.
The global survival gap also demonstrates why early diagnosis must accompany access to treatment. Early diagnosis involves recognising symptoms, obtaining prompt clinical assessment, and accessing treatment. Screening involves testing people without symptoms, with mammography recommended for appropriate age and risk groups according to national guidelines. WHO stresses that early detection must connect patients to timely diagnosis and complete treatment to reduce deaths.
NCRTH Director Dr. Santosh Devaraj has said effective cancer management requires coordinated services covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. The county has also conducted screening outreaches across its 11 sub-counties, and the National Government has outlined plans to upgrade the regional centre to serve patients from 24 counties. The awareness campaign, backed by Governor Susan Kihika’s administration, highlights the need to connect public education with accessible diagnostic services and sustained treatment.
Key points
- Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.
- Nakuru County has recorded a high number of breast cancer cases, with 398 cases reported between 2020 and 2023.
- The county is working to upgrade its regional cancer centre to serve patients from 24 counties.
