FEAR,MYTHS AND SILENCE:THE HIDDEN BATTLE AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER IN KENYA.

By Patience Samba

In the spirit of cancer awareness this October, many Kenyans are reflecting on the importance of early detection and prevention. Yet, myths and misconceptions continue to stand in the way of life saving interventions like cervical cancer screening and Human Papillomavirus vaccination.

In Kilifi County, Janet Idza, a youth advocate, says that despite awareness campaigns, many women are still reluctant to go for cervical cancer screening. “Most women here believe it’s better to wait until they see signs and symptoms before going for screening,” she explains. “Others fear that the process causes infertility,its painful or that only one machine is used for everyone, which makes them afraid.”

She adds that misinformation about the HPV vaccine has also discouraged parents from allowing their daughters to be vaccinated. “People say the vaccine reduces fertility or affects girls hormones, and some even believe it’s meant to reduce the human population,” Janet says.

Sharing a similar concern, Alex Jana, the chairperson for bodaboda riders in Mtopanga, says the biggest challenge is lack of public awareness. “Most of these beliefs come from misinformation. Some parents think the HPV vaccine acts as family planning to stop girls from having children,” he notes. “We need more sensitization in the community so people can understand the benefits instead of fearing the unknown.”

 

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among women in Kenya. The country records approximately 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths every year, meaning that about 10 women die daily from the disease. Cervical cancer accounts for around 12.2 percent of all cancer deaths nationally, making it the second most common cancer among women, after breast cancer.

 Despite the high burden, screening and prevention coverage remain low. The Ministry of Health reports that less than a quarter of health facilities in Kenya are equipped to conduct cervical cancer screening and diagnosis, while only about 4% offer Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

 

Furthermore, only 5.3% of facilities provide both screening and treatment services for cervical precancer or cancer. The ministry continues to emphasize that improving awareness, access to screening, and HPV vaccination for girls aged 10 to 14 years is key to reducing new infections and deaths associated with the disease.

Due to the cancer awareness activities this month, I visited St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Bakarani, where I met Dr. Loyce Kanze, a medical officer who has been at the forefront of cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs. She explains that myths, fear, and lack of knowledge are major barriers to women’s health.

“Many women believe that cervical cancer screening is painful, that it causes infertility, or that it damages the uterine wall,” Dr. Kanze says. “Others fear discovering they have cancer, so they avoid screening altogether. Unfortunately, this fear is costing lives.”

She notes that cervical cancer cases in Kenya have risen significantly, mainly due to multiple sexual partners, early sexual activity, and HIV/AIDS. “This disease is preventable, yet we keep losing women because of misinformation and fear,” she laments.

The same myths have affected HPV vaccination programs targeting girls aged 10 to 14 years. “Some parents refuse to allow their daughters to be vaccinated because they believe it causes infertility or death. Others think it’s too painful or unnecessary. In some schools, headteachers even block vaccination teams from accessing the girls,” Dr. Kanze reveals.

Furthermore,she urges women to take responsibility for their health by going for screening and reducing risky sexual behaviors. “Women should get screened to know their status early. Cervical cancer is deadly but preventable. Reduce the number of sexual partners, abstain, or use protection,” she advises. “Parents should also support vaccination for their daughters to protect them in the future.”

 Kanze also warns against unsafe reproductive practices like manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) abortions and improper use of intrauterine contraceptive devices(COIL) (IUCDs). “These can cause complications such as cervical damage, irregular menstrual cycles, and urinary tract infections which causes cervical cancer,” she explains. “It’s important that women seek professional medical care.”

She concludes by appealing to community leaders and educators to support health initiatives instead of hindering them. “Headteachers should cooperate with health teams and allow vaccination in schools. Together, we can prevent cervical cancer and save the next generation of girls,” she says.

As Kenya continues to mark Cancer Awareness Month, voices like those of Janet, Alex, and Dr. Kanze highlight a shared message that awareness is not enough without action. Screening and vaccination remain the most powerful tools in protecting women and girls from a preventable disease that continues to claim lives silently.