There is a need to make cancer screening free for all people in Kenya in order to detect the disease in its early and manageable stages. This is according to Kakamega woman representative Elsie Muhanda, who said that most Kenyans who have lost their lives due to cancer started seeking treatment when the disease had already spread to uncontrollable levels due to late diagnosis.
Addressing the public during the annual general meeting for Shinyalu Women Sacco in Kakamega, Muhanda said that if screening centres were available in all corners of the republic at any time and for free, the cancer menace would be handled.
Muhanda, however, urged all Kenyans to watch their diet saying that lifestyle is a key predisposing factor to the deadly disease. “I urge my people to go back to traditional food like cassavas, sweet potatoes, soda ash and extras. This idea of eating chips and other junk is majorly contributing to the cancer menace.”
She further urged the women to invest in Saccos, calling upon them to be wise when spending money loaned to them. “Don’t use the loaned cash to clad yourself and eat well instead invest in a business that will in turn give some profit which you can now use to enjoy yourself,” she said.
The Sacco’s chairperson Desma Muhanji urged her members to ensure they pay loans on time so that the rest can also benefit. She also told the members to develop a saving habit which will enable them to grow rather than focus on only taking loans and repaying them. The Sacco that started in 2016 has a membership of 800 people who save Kshs 10 per day.
