Naema Tandao 
JOY SITATI
The 2022 Kenya demographic health survey reveals that only 17% of women have been tested for cervical cancer, falling short of the World Health Organisation target of 70%, this means 83% are unaware of their status.
Bridgit Kameni, a 31 year old lady who was recently treated for stage four cervical cancer shares her journey, her diagnosis delayed majorly pointing to misdiagnosis. Her symptoms started late in 2019, she find out she had cervical cancer in 2021 where experts detected an abnormal growth in her cervix.A biopsy later revealed cervical centre and she was referred to the Texas Cancer Centre for treatment.Her treatment included 15 radiotherapy, 5 chemotherapy and 2 brachytherapy sessions and after the full entitlement she was declared cancer free.
Doctor Charles , a clinical officer at the Equity Afia hospital in Bungoma, stresses on how the cervical cancer comes about,who are majorly affected and the importance of an early detection.
The detection of the virus can’t be noticed early on infection but later on, the symptoms are detected.
The detection of the virus can only be done through screening or through the conduction of the laboratory tests and once the HPV virus has been detected, someone is entitled to full treatment which include the radiotherapy, chemotherapy and the brachytherapy.The stage one treatment is cheaper as compared to the stage 4 treatment.
Bridgit, the cervical cancer survivor, calls out to all women countrywide to do regular checkups and screening to ensure their well being.
The emphasis on frequent cervical cancer testing aligns with the government agenda of disease prevention and health promotion.
