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Reproductive health top concern for women amid awareness drives
The World Health Organisation estimates that 70 percent of breast cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries are diagnosed at late stages, when treatment is more expensive and outcomes are poorer.
Almost two out of three women who visited AAR Hospital for general healthcare consulted gynaecologists, highlighting reproductive health as a primary concern among Kenyan women.
Statistics from the Kiambu Road-based facility indicate that, of the 180 women who attended a recent health camp, 64.4 percent sought consultations with gynaecologists.
The camp, held on September 6, also recorded visits to breast surgeons (16.7 percent), dermatologists (7.2 percent), and fertility specialists (6.1 percent). The uptake of family planning and plastic surgery was minimal.
"There was a strong demand for reproductive health services, with the gynaecology team handling the largest number of cases," said Dr Aysha Edwards, AAR Hospital executive officer.
Breast health was the second most common concern, with almost one in six women (30 out of 180) consulting breast surgeons.
Many participants also utilised mammography and ultrasound services. According to the Kenya Cancer Board, breast cancer is the most common type of the killer disease among women in Kenya, accounting for around 16 percent of all cancer cases.
Dr Edwards noted that the strong turnout for breast-related services reflects growing awareness, but also highlights the ongoing need for affordable, accessible screening.
“There was a high turnout for breast health screenings, particularly for breast surgery and mammography, which demonstrates awareness of and concern for breast cancer,” she added.
Nationally, the contraceptive prevalence rate stands at around 57 percent, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), meaning that more than four in 10 women of reproductive age are not using family planning methods.
The camp emphasised linking women to higher-level care, with one patient referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for a specialised lymph node transfer (LNT) to treat lymphedema. These referrals highlight the importance of outreach programmes in providing access to advanced services.
Medical experts stressed that the most effective way to improve survival rates is to detect cancers, especially breast and cervical cancers, at an early stage.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 70 percent of breast cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries are diagnosed at late stages, when treatment is more expensive and outcomes are poorer.
In Kenya, cervical and breast cancers together account for nearly half of all female cancer cases, making preventive screenings such as Pap smears, mammograms, and ultrasounds critical interventions.
Dr Edwards stated that the camp revealed encouraging trends, such as high demand for gynaecology and breast services, as well as areas where greater awareness is needed, such as family planning and reconstructive surgery.
“Continued commitment to community outreach is vital for strengthening women’s health interventions and improving health-seeking behaviour,” she emphasised.
