Kenya is experiencing a concerning rise in colon cancer cases, with approximately 3,500 new diagnoses recorded annually, according to Dr. Andrew Odhiambo, a medical oncologist at Prime Care Clinic. This increase is attributed to a combination of changing lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and improved medical diagnostics that are revealing cases previously undetected. Colon cancer, which often remains symptomless in its early stages, is frequently diagnosed when it has already progressed, making early detection critical to improving survival outcomes.
Dr. Odhiambo emphasized the silent progression of colon cancer during a recent interview with Eastleigh Voice, noting that many patients only seek medical help when they exhibit advanced symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea, or difficulty passing stool. These signs often indicate that the disease has already advanced, complicating treatment and reducing the chances of recovery. Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon and rectal cancer, is now among the most common cancers in Kenya, ranking fifth after breast, cervical, esophageal, and prostate cancers, according to data from the National Cancer Registry for 2021/2022.
The World Health Organisation’s Global Cancer Observatory report of 2022 supports these findings, listing colorectal cancer among the top five cancers affecting both men and women in Kenya. Medical professionals have linked this trend to the adoption of unhealthy, Westernized diets high in red and processed meats and low in fiber-rich foods like vegetables and whole grains. Sedentary lifestyles, increasing obesity rates, and reduced physical activity further compound the problem, creating a fertile ground for the disease to spread.
In response, Dr. Odhiambo is calling for routine screening to become a national priority. He advises that individuals begin screening for colon cancer at the age of 40, especially those without a family history of the disease. Annual stool tests for occult blood or colonoscopy every five to ten years are recommended. Those with a family history should consider undergoing a colonoscopy even earlier due to the higher risk. Early screening, according to Dr. Odhiambo, is a life-saving intervention that can drastically improve outcomes by detecting cancer before it advances.
Despite improvements in cancer treatment, affordability remains a major barrier for many Kenyans. Surgery and chemotherapy, the primary treatment options for colon cancer, are expensive, with chemotherapy alone costing between Sh50,000 and Sh500,000 per cycle. Treatments for rectal cancer often require radiotherapy and targeted therapy, further escalating costs. Immunotherapy, a newer and more advanced option, can cost up to Sh500,000 per session, making it inaccessible for the majority of patients.
Dr. Odhiambo attributes late diagnosis and treatment delays to financial challenges, fear, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare facilities. He urges the public to embrace healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, hydration, and stress management. He also encourages individuals with a family history of colon cancer to undergo genetic screening, as about 5 to 10 percent of cases are hereditary.
Highlighting the need for national action, Dr. Odhiambo called for the integration of cancer screening into government health programs, noting that public awareness campaigns alone are insufficient. He pointed to countries like the United Kingdom, where citizens receive stool test kits by mail, allowing for early detection on a wide scale. For Kenya to achieve similar results, Dr. Odhiambo argues for accessible, routine screening systems and sustainable health financing solutions, such as the Social Health Insurance (SHA), to ease the financial burden on patients.
Without urgent reforms in screening policies and increased public education, experts warn that colon cancer could escalate into a major health crisis in Kenya. Dr. Odhiambo’s message is clear: early screening, supported by strong government policies and public participation, is key to preventing colon cancer from claiming more lives.
