More women below 46 years are at a higher risk of contracting cancer than their male counterparts.

A study by the National Cancer Institute shows that majority of the new cases recorded between 2021-2022 were of women aged 40-49 years and 35-39 years. The study further shows that more men than women aged between 65-89 years are at risk.

Breast and cervical cancer remain the most common types of cancer accounting for between 16 percent and 13 percent of all recorded cancer cases in 2021/22.

Oesophagus cancer cases constitute 12 percent while prostate cancer recorded 10 percent of the cases, the study reveals. Notable cases of colorectal, stomach, mouth and oropharynx, bone marrow and liver which all recorded cases below 10 percent.

Rapidly growing

For men, prostate and oesophagus being the common while breast and cervical cancers, bone marrow, ovarian, uterus and stomach cancers seem to be rapidly growing  for women, according to the latest report.

The NCI report further shows more cases of cancer were recorded among female children (53 percent) compared to their male counterparts (47 percent) with leukemia being the most common among children accounting for 15 percent of all childhood cancer.

Kidney, brain as well lymphoma and nasopharynx were also common among young Kenyans.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumincha (pictured) emphasised the need for screening and early diagnosis as the most effective way of controlling the scourge. “We need to create awareness in the communities on importance of early screening.   With that, we can prevent close to 47,000 cancer deaths recorded every year,” she notes.

The study however shows that 46 percent of cancer patients were diagnosed at advanced stages.

And with the cancer treatment being so costly, 64 percent of the patients reported to have been enrolled to the National Housing Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Experts say the national insurer covers just a section of the cancer treatment and there is need for re-evaluation to ensure it covers the entire treatment procedure.