Written by Shillah Mwadosho
2012-05-29 12:25:00
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 Cases of cancer infections in Nandi County are expected to increase by approximately fifty percent this year, Kapsabet Medical Superintendent Dr. Edward Serem has said.
Cervical Cancer Cells. Image: Spike Walker/Getty
Cervical Pap smear showing abnormal cells, cancer of cervix x550 Photo | Courtesy
Dr. Serem unveiled that medical statistics indicated that the increase was alarming after 12 cases were reported in Kapsabet district hospital between the month of January and April this year.
Statistics from the hospital further indicated that 20, 22 and 25 cancer patients were admitted in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Speaking to West Fm Dr. Serem said that the increase was due to the rising cases of HIV/Aids that was rocking the county.
He said, “Cancer is an opportunistic disease and many of those who have succumbed to HIV infection are vulnerable to it.”
According to the reports in the hospital records, many of those who have been admitted in the hospital have died as a result of the disease.
“It is unfortunate that many patients who have been admitted in hospital have often died from the disease since it is incurable,” he said.
Dr. Serem said that there was a need for intensive HIV/Aids sensitization exercise to be conducted in the region to ensure that further spread of cancer disease is curbed.
“We have realized that we can address cancer issue by calling on concerned groups to sensitize people on how to avoid HIV/Aids,” he explained.
He urged those who are infected with Aids to visit hospitals and ensure that they are provided with Anti-Retroviral drugs and additional medical services to boost resistance against opportunistic diseases such as cancer.
“Aids patients need a close attention on drugs and diet so that their bodies get energy to resist any infection trying to enter into their bodies,” he explained.
However, Serem said that it should not be conclusively assumed that those who are infected with cancer have HIV/Aids.
“Some have cancer yet they are not infected with HIV/Aids and there are some with Aids but do not have cancer,” he said. Switch to Our Mobile Site |
