By Asa Maina
Karatina University in partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital recently organized a medical camp as part of the university’s community outreach programme.
Hundreds of residents were treated during the camp held at Dedan Kimathi grounds in Nyeri town, Nyeri County.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Research and Student Affairs, Peninah Obudho said other than screening, the two institutions have also been training care givers on how to take care of terminally ill cancer patients.
She said the university has started an initiative called ‘Carry Your Candle’ meant to create awareness on cancer.
The phrase was chosen following the realisation that cancer is a leading killer in the country and most people are suffering in silence as a result of the disease.
“We realised this after we visited Nyeri Hospice and we had an interaction with cancer patients and their caregivers. But actually cancer patients feel rejected and lonely”, she said.
She observed that though cancer is a leading killer, awareness has not been taken seriously in Kenya.
Dr. Isaac Kamau of Aga Khan University Hospital advised ladies to seek medical attention whenever they experience abnormal bleeding.
He said one of the signs of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding which most ladies ignore.
He said some experience normal menses but later have sudden irregularities, adding that there is need to have any changes or irregularity in the menstruation cycle addressed.
