KU hospital to carry out Sh400m throat cancer research
By Oliver Musembi, September 8, 2022Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) has launched a research project for throat cancer.
The Sh400 million joint project funded by National Institute for Health and Research, University of Manchester and the Christie Foundation (UK), among others will initially be conducted in five counties where there is high prevalence of the disease.
Oesophageal cancer (commonly known as throat cancer) is the third most common in Kenya and causes an estimated 4,400 deaths yearly. Researchers say the disease has a 100 per cent mortality rate.
Speaking during the project’s launch, KUTRRH board chair Olive Mugenda said the counties covered by the project include Kiambu, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru and Kisii.
Age groups
Researchers, she added, will try to determine whether there are environmental factors associated with the infections and the prevalence among age groups.
“Our researchers shall come up with answers as to whether there are environmental factors causing the disease. We will also be able to establish who among the elder or younger people are more exposed to infection and whether there are other conditions involved,” she said.
She added that KUTRRH had installed modern diagnostic equipment that helps cut down the cost of seeking such services abroad.