Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) commemorated World Cancer Day on February 4, 2025, by organizing a sensitization and awareness walk through the streets of Eldoret City. The event, led by MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa, was attended by the hospital’s partners and cancer survivors, aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
World Cancer Day, observed every year on February 4, focuses on addressing fundamental cancer issues and empowering communities to take action. This year’s theme, "United by Unique," emphasizes putting people at the center of care, with their stories forming the heart of the conversation.
Dr. Jesse Opakas, Director of Hemato-Oncology at MTRH, assured attendees that the hospital provides free cervical and breast cancer screening services as part of its comprehensive cancer care program. The hospital also offers various treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, as well as targeted therapies.
In his address, Dr. Kirwa highlighted the alarming rise in cancer cases across the country, particularly emphasizing the late-stage diagnoses that significantly lower survival rates. He attributed this trend to poor health-seeking behavior, urging people to seek early diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes. "Advancements in technology are enabling us to detect cancer earlier, making treatment more effective and less burdensome," Dr. Kirwa said.
MTRH’s cancer care services cover a wide range of cancers, with breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers being the most prevalent among patients. Dr. Kirwa reiterated the importance of prevention and screening in reducing cancer-related mortality, stressing the need for regular check-ups.
The event was attended by various healthcare professionals, including Dr. Festus Njuguna (Paediatric Oncology), Dr. Philipe Poli (Gynaecological Oncology), Dr. Edwin Mugalo (Prostate Cancer), Dr. Andrew Wandera (Gastrointestinal Malignancy), Dr. Keitany Kibet (Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment), Dr. Sarah Obuya (Breast & Colon Cancer), and Fredrick Joel Owino, Director of Standard and Quality Assurance at the National Cancer Institute of Kenya.
MTRH continues to be a leader in cancer care, providing critical services that improve patient outcomes and offering hope to individuals battling the disease. As World Cancer Day draws attention to the global fight against cancer, MTRH remains committed to its mission of providing accessible and affordable cancer care to all Kenyans.
