How severely is Kenya affected by cancer?

How severely is Kenya affected by cancer?

Kenya faces a significant and increasing burden of cancer. Tens of thousands of new cases and deaths are recorded annually, making cancer one of the leading causes of death. Recent data shows that cancer is now the second leading cause of death in healthcare facilities and the leading cause of death among women. In 2022, approximately 44,726 new cancer cases were recorded in Kenya, a country with a population of around 56 million. The age-standardized incidence rate was 149.1 per 100,000. Projections indicate that this rate could increase by over 120% in the coming decades due to population growth and changing lifestyles. Women are significantly more affected, with 28,377 cases compared to 16,349 cases for men. Cancer has a significant impact on mortality. Cancer caused approximately 29,317 deaths in 2022, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 104 per 100,000 and a cumulative risk of 11.1% before age 75. By 2024, cancer had overtaken cardiovascular disease as the second leading cause of death in healthcare settings (after infectious diseases) and was the leading cause of death among adults aged 30 to 59, as well as among women overall. Previous estimates projected 32,987 deaths per year, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system. Common Cancer Types

The increase is attributed to the rise in noncommunicable diseases, limited access to screening, high treatment costs, and lost productivity. Government action includes the National Cancer Control Strategy (2023–2027), which focuses on education, breast and cervical cancer screening, and improved access to treatment. The number of cases among children is also rising, increasing the urgency. ... https://ascopost.com/issues/february-25-2021/cancer-on-the-global-stage-incidence-and-cancer-related-mortality-in-kenya/ https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-07-09-cancer-now-second-leading-cause-of-death-in-kenya https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/404-kenya-fact-sheet.pdf https://www.iccp-portal.org/sites/default/files/plans/NATIONAL%20CANCER%20CONTROL%20STRATEGY%202023-2027_compressed.pdf https://kenyacancernetwork.wordpress.com/kenya-cancer-facts/