Over 200 women from Gikono in Murang’a South benefited from free breast cancer screening in celebration of breast cancer awareness month.
The women, who turned up in large numbers, were also taught how to perform self-breast examinations and advised to do so at least once every menstrual cycle.
Speaking during the free medical camp to mark the cancer awareness month at Gikono dispensary, the county nursing officer Salome Kimani underscored the significance of regular screening, saying management and treatment of cancers were more effective if they are detected early enough.
“We had targeted at least 200 women and we are pleased we already have more than that number,” Kimani said.
She added that cancer screening is essential in the fight against the common types of cancer.
According to the nursing officer, it is crucial for the public, especially women, to know what the causes of breast cancer are and what to look out for.
“Breast cancer can affect both men and women although women are more at risk and the risk increases with advancement in age,” she said.
Risk factor
Women who start their periods too early or those whose menopause delays to about 55 years are at higher risk of developing breast cancer because of hormonal imbalances.
Findings have confirmed that young age at menarche and old age at menopause increase breast cancer risk.
Breast cancer is also common in younger women with a family history of breast cancer.
“Every woman of reproductive age should do a self-breast exam seven to 10 days after every monthly period and go to a hospital if they notice anything unusual,” Kimani said.
She cautioned the women to watch for changes in the size of breasts, dimpling, lumps or abnormal discharge from the nipples. Women above 40 years of age were advised to get tested more frequently and get a mammography every two to three years.
The women were also educated on cervical cancer and free screening was also offered.
Other services offered during the free medical camp included administration of the HPV vaccine to girls and Covid-19 vaccination.
