Ndungu Chege's diagnosis of breast cancer brought with it not only treatment anxiety but also presented the difficulty of facing a condition that is often associated with women.

The man from Nakuru, who had surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed, now wants men to know that they can also be affected by breast cancer and that getting treatment shouldn't be a source of shame.

As Nakuru County culminates Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ndungu uses his experience to challenge misconceptions surrounding the disease and encourage patients to seek medical attention rather than suffer in silence.

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Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

He recalls having financial difficulties when he began treatment and says cancer treatment appears financially out of reach after hearing accounts of patients travelling to India and spending millions of shillings.

With financial support, he began chemotherapy, undergoing four sessions before proceeding to surgery.

He recalls the anxiety surrounding the operation, the medical staff preparing him for theatre and waking up to find his wife and brothers beside him. He remained in hospital for about five days before being discharged.

His treatment journey did not end there as he adds that he underwent further treatment but later faced difficulties travelling to Nairobi for additional care when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.

Doctors subsequently reviewed his medical records and recommended another treatment option involving daily medication, which he said he continued to take.

Through his experience, Ndungu says he wants other patients to understand that a cancer diagnosis should not stop them from seeking help.

“When you hear the word, don't refuse,” he says, urging people to accept their diagnosis and seek treatment.

He particularly wants men to understand that breast cancer is not exclusively a women's disease. By speaking openly about his experience, he challenges the stigma that can prevent men from acknowledging symptoms or seeking medical attention.

At the Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (PGH), the culmination of Breast Cancer Awareness Month provided an opportunity to highlight screening and treatment services available to residents.

Hospital director Santosh Devaraj says the facility has conducted mammography screenings for over 300 patients over the preceding three months.

“Mammography is important for early diagnosis,” he says, noting that the service helps patients understand their breast health and supports early detection.

He encourages residents to take advantage of the available services, adding that many mammography procedures are covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Dr Dulcie Wanda, a Clinical Radiation Oncologist at the hospital says breast cancer requires greater awareness and encourages people to seek medical assessment when they notice changes in their breasts.

She notes that people should not assume the disease only affects older women and stresses the importance of appropriate, early screening and diagnosis based on individual circumstances.

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Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Dr Wanda says PGH offers ultrasound examinations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, urging patients to seek care rather than allow fear to delay treatment.

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Leleti Jassor