Cervical cancer is not just a medical condition – it is a deeply personal battle for thousands of women, girls and families in Kenya. I have seen too many young mothers, vibrant daughters, and strong grandmothers receive a diagnosis that could have been prevented. I have witnessed the pain in their eyes, the fear in their voices, and the desperate hope that they could have done something sooner.
We must talk about cervical cancer differently. We must deal with it differently because the difference that will determine our success lies in screening and prevention. By shifting our approach, prioritizing early detection, and embracing Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, we can change the outcome. This is a strategy which we must scale up as a country to save lives, because when we tackle cervical cancer the right way, we win.
‘Amina’ (not her real name) walked into our clinic for what she thought was a routine check-up. She had been experiencing abnormal bleeding for months but assumed it was just a hormonal imbalance or stress taking a toll on her body. At 38 years old, she had never had any major health concerns. This was a first. She was looking for reassurance, a simple explanation, and perhaps some medication to regulate her cycle.
However, as we proceeded with screening and additional tests, the results pointed to something far more serious – cervical cancer. Despite coming to the hospital as soon as she noticed changes, the disease had already advanced. The moment we had to break the news to her was heartbreaking. Like so many women, she wished she had known about cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine earlier. She wished someone had told her that this disease, which was now threatening her life, could have been prevented.
She fought valiantly, and we fought alongside her, but despite every effort, she lost the battle. She left behind three young children, a grieving husband, family, and friends – a life that could have been saved if she had been screened earlier. Her story is not unique; it is the reality for thousands of women in Kenya who receive a diagnosis too late. For some, the barrier is cost. For others, it is lack of information.
This is where government intervention is critical. Women and girls must have access to accurate information about cervical cancer, affordable screening, and accessible HPV vaccination. These are not luxuries; they are life-saving interventions that should be available to all.
Kenya has a window of opportunity with the rollout of the Social Health Authority scheme, following the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Is it too much to ask that this new healthcare model prioritizes cervical cancer prevention? Is the cost of screening too high when weighed against the lives lost every single day to this preventable disease?
We cannot afford to wait. We must act now. ‘Amina’s’ story is most likely the story of the over 3000 deaths from cervical cancer annually in Kenya. The Power of Prevention is the power we need from our government. Why am I saying the backstops at the government of Kenya? Because cervical cancer prevention and early detection must be a national priority.
The fight begins with three critical interventions, all of which the government can make more effective and accessible:
HPV Vaccination: Protects against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains and is most effective when given between 9 – 26 years, before exposure to HPV. Kenya offers free vaccination for 9–14-year-olds, yet uptake remains very low due to misinformation and myths. The government must step up efforts to raise awareness, debunk myths, and ensure every eligible girl is vaccinated.
Regular Screening (Pap smear & HPV testing): Detects precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. Women aged 21–60 should be screened every 3 – 5 years. This should not be a privilege – the government can make screening free and available at all medical facilities.
Early Treatment of Precancerous Lesions: Prevents cancer from developing. Treatment must be affordable and accessible, yet too many women are unable to access the care they need. The government must bridge this gap because cervical cancer is a disease we can defeat, but it, unfortunately, remains the second most common cancer among women in Kenya and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with over 5,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths annually.
But what makes this heartbreaking is that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. Yet, despite these tools, more than 90% of cases in Kenya are diagnosed late, when treatment is more difficult, expensive, and often too late.
We cannot afford to wait. We must act now. As a doctor, I have seen too many women like ‘Amina ’ walk into the hospital for what they believe is a routine check-up, only to leave with the devastating news of a cervical cancer diagnosis. This should not be happening. Not when we have the tools to prevent it.
On World Cancer Day 2025, stand up against cervical cancer, prevent it, fight it and end it.
Will you make a difference or be the difference Kenya desperately needs in the fight against cervical cancer?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Diana Marion is a senior medical specialist Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Oncology Fellow at the University of Nairobi. She is also the Secretary General, Kenya Medical Association.
