Early detection still crucial in ensuring successful treatment of breast cancer

In response to the growing breast cancer burden in Kenya, leading global biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer, has emphasised the need for early detection in the management of the disease.

Speaking during a virtual roundtable meeting with journalists, Dr Kodjo Soroh, Medical Director East and Anglo West Africa at Pfizer, said that the country must step up efforts to drive regular medical check-ups to facilitate early detection since advantages of early detection of cancer cannot be overemphasised. “At Pfizer, we have a long history in oncology research and development, including a pivotal role in scientific breakthroughs and revolutionary medicines that will create a healthier world for everyone. Our current focus remains on innovating and improving oncology therapies to potentially cure non-communicable diseases, such as cancer,” said Dr Soroh.

The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer incidence in Kenya accounting for 16.1 per cent of all cancers and is the second leading cause of deaths in the country

Soroh said early detection, timely diagnosis and effective treatment of early-stage tumours are the cornerstone of breast cancer control to improve survival rates. However, data from the Kenya National Cancer Registry 2014-2019 shows that seven out of 10 cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages.

Additionally, only 14 per cent of women in Kenya have had a clinical breast examination and 25 per cent have performed a self-breast examination, according to 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey “Unless urgent action is taken to improve breast cancer screening and early diagnosis, breast cancer will compound Kenya’s disease burden, increase poverty and gender inequalities, as well as reverse current gains against maternal mortality,” said Dr Angela McLigeyo, a Medical Oncologist, who also attended the meeting.

The National Cancer Treatment Protocols 2019 recommends that all women found to have suspicious breast lesions should undergo a triple assessment that involves clinical examination preferably by an experienced clinician or breast surgeon, bilateral breast imaging and core biopsy.

This is why, the Government of Kenya has established a breast cancer screening and early diagnosis action plan 2021-2025 aimed at ensuring that women with breast cancer are diagnosed in early stages.

The action plan will be achieved through putting in specific mechanisms to improve uptake of mammography screening in the eligible populations, ensuring that at least 90 per cent of symptomatic women are linked to timely further evaluation and management within 60 days from their first encounter with a healthcare worker.